Bicycle Accident...

by Patty
(Hacienda Heights, CA)

My dad went for a bike ride. He was on the sidewalk riding then moved onto the grass for a passer by. When he did this his front tire dropped into a hole covered with grass. This caused him to flip over and now he has bumps and bruises on his face and legs.

He called & made a report with the California Highway Patrol. He was told there was nothing they can do. Is the county responsible?

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Bicycle Accident...":

Patty (Hacienda Heights, CA):

The question is what do you want them to be responsible for? If he merely suffered bumps and bruises and required no medical attention there is not much the County can be responsible for.

In the unfortunate event your father suffered more serious injuries he would have to go through an administrative process. He would have to file what is called a “Tort Claim”. In the State of California the time limit for the filing of a Tort Claim is no more than 90 days from the date of the injury.

If that amount of time hasn’t expired and your father did suffered injuries, he should be sure to contact the county and ask them to send him a Tort Claim’s Form. Make sure any of his medical Narratives including, but not limited to, his doctor’s Narratives, Diagnosis and Prognosis accompany the filing of his claim.

If you or your father have any questions about the process you can always consider consulting with a Personal Injury Attorney. It’s not necessary to be represented by one, but you have nothing to lose by consulting with one.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

----------------