California Highway Patrol officials are seeking the public's help to find a hit-and-run driver who seriously injured 29-year-old bicyclist Jordan Rapp in a Ventura car accident. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, Rapp, a professional triathlete, was riding a bicycle north on Lewis Road, near University Drive, in Camarillo, the evening of March 23, 2010. The driver of the vehicle turned left just ahead of Rapp's bicycle, officials say. Rapp could not avoid a collision and was thrown to the ground after he struck the left side of the vehicle. The driver did not stop at the scene.

Tragic Hit-and-Run Collision

Rapp sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Investigators are looking for the suspect vehicle which they say has a shattered left window and left-side body damage. Anyone who saw or knows something about this major injury crash is asked to contact Lt. Casey Cronin at 805-477-4100. You may also leave an anonymous tip at 1-800-6-Hit-N-Run (800-644-8678).

My heart goes out to Rapp and his family for what they are going through right now. Apparently Rapp is the reigning champion of the Subaru Ironman Canada and Ironman Arizona. He had also, helped raise substantial amounts for providing bicycles to underprivileged children in other countries. What a champion! I truly hope he has not been catastrophically injured and pray that he will recover quickly and completely. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 21 injuries as a result of bicycle accidents in Camarillo. In Ventura County as a whole, bicycle accidents claimed two lives and injured 307 people during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

I trust this hit-and-run driver will soon be apprehended and brought to justice. California law requires all motorists to stop at the scene of an accident, regardless of whose fault an accident may have been. In this case, officials seem to indicate that the accident may have been the hit-and-run driver's fault because he made an unsafe left turn in front of the bicyclist.

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."

Claim for Compensation

Rapp and his family would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their rights are protected. If a dangerous or defective roadway contributed to this collision, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway can also be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims and their families, about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident involving a hit-and-run driver, or an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.