Professional cyclist Taylor Tolleson is recovering from a hit-and-run California motorcycle accident that occurred the night of July 23, 2009, according to a KSBW news report. Tolleson was reportedly riding his motorcycle along Highway 1 in Santa Cruz, California, late Thursday night when he was struck from behind by a silver Audi. He suffered multiple injuries, but is expected to make a full recovery. Close friends and family members say that it's a miracle Tolleson survived this California motorcycle accident. Tolleson's family is asking anyone who saw this hit-and-run or anyone who has information about it, to come forward. However, police are saying they now have impounded the car believed to be involved in the hit-and-run.

My heart goes out to this young cyclist who was seriously injured in this California car accident. It is indeed a relief that he did not suffer life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I hope his injuries will not prevent him from continuing his pro cycling career--one that has certainly been impressive, so far. Tolleson was the second overall winner in the 2006 Amgen Tour of California's best young rider division. Last June, he also raced in the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship. I would definitely like to see him race again.

Hit-and-Run Car Accident

I sincerely hope the person who did this is apprehended and brought to justice. In fact, I hope this suspected hit-and-run driver comes forward. It's the right thing to do. Fleeing the scene of an accident is nothing but shirking one's responsibility. It's an act of cowardice where someone does not want to face the consequences of his or her actions although they have seriously injured another human being.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." The law requires you to stop at the scene of the accident, whether or not you believe that the accident was your fault.

California Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

In this case, based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Audi may have been at fault for the motorcycle accident. He or she could be held civilly and criminally responsible for the accident and serious injuries caused to Tolleson. A skilled California personal injury lawyer may also be able to determine whether there was a dangerous condition on the roadway that caused or contributed to this crash. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim in California against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.