We are going a bit south of Anaheim to bring you a tragic story. Last week, a Coast Mesa Fire Department captain was killed after he was struck while riding his bicycle.
Captain Mike Kreza, 44, was an 18-year veteran with the department.
The accident happened when a 25-year-old man driving a van allegedly crossed into the bike lane on Alicia Parkway, drove onto the sidewalk, and struck Kreza.
The driver of the van was charged with one felony count of murder after police found multiple prescription medications in the vehicle.
“Words alone cannot describe the immeasurable heartache felt by his friends and family, including his fire family,” the fire department said in a tweet. Kreza is survived by his wife and children.
At the Compass Law Group, we know that bicyclists in and around our city face dangers every day. When you need an Anaheim bicycle accident attorney, you can count on us to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Dangers
For the latest reporting year in California, there were nearly 12,000 bicyclist injuries and 147 bicyclist fatalities. We know that urban areas are even more likely to see these kinds of accidents. For the same year in Anaheim, there were 114 bicyclists injured or killed.
Injuries that happen as a result of bicycle accidents are often severe because a cyclist has no protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them. It is not uncommon to see major internal injuries, including spinal and brain trauma, as a result.
Bicyclists are at risk when they go out. We know that you make every effort to stay safe when riding, but you cannot control the actions of those on the roadway around you. That means that you are vulnerable to negligent drivers.
As the story above shows, bicyclists are not safe anywhere near the road if a drunk or impaired driver is out. In this case, Captain Kreza certainly thought he was safe on the sidewalk, but the driver made it to him.
Despite efforts by the state and municipalities to pass laws that crack down on distracted driving, we know that many drivers still spend much of their time behind the wheel looking down at their phones. Whether they are texting, watching videos, or checking their GPS, this can lead to horrible consequences for bicyclists.
What Are Your Options
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligent actions of someone else, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At the Compass Law Group, we will investigate your case and work with insurance companies to ensure you get a settlement that will cover all of your accident-related expenses. We will help you get coverage for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income if your injuries prevent you from working
- Punitive damages
- Pain and suffering damages
