Bicyclist Dac Kieu (Full Name: Dac Them Kieu) Died In Car Accident With Pickup Truck By Garfield Avenue and Brookhurst Street
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (July 6, 2022) – A 73-year-old man identified as Dac Kieu was killed in a Fountain Valley bicycle accident with pickup truck by Garfield Avenue and Brookhurst Street.
Orange County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Dac Them Kieu was riding a bicycle when he was hit by a Ford F-350 pickup truck making a left turn from Garfield Avenue.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Dac Kieu was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition.
Despite the best efforts of doctors and nurses, he died at the hospital. Police interviewed the driver of the pickup truck who remained at the scene.
Orange County investigators are asking anyone that may have witnessed the crash to come forward. A full investigation into the death of Dac Kieu remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Fountain Valley Bicycle Accidents
Thousands of bicyclists are killed or seriously injured every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Bicycle trips make up only 1% of all trips in the United States. However, bicyclists account for over 2% of people who die in a crash involving a motor vehicle on our nation’s roads. Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year.” Most bicycle accidents happen in urban areas and about 2/3 of collisions take place at intersections. Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable for a number of reasons.
- Bicyclists lack the protection of enclosed vehicles.
- Bicyclists are often overlooked by drivers due to their small profile.
- The vast majority of bicycles are not self-illuminated and many bicycle trips take place during periods of low visibility.
All drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting bicyclists. Under California law, drivers must treat bicycles as they would any other automobile. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21200, a person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and responsibilities applicable to the driver of a vehicle. Many bicycle accidents occur when drivers make abrupt left turns. If a driver makes an abrupt left turn in front of a bicyclist, they could be held at fault through California Vehicle Code 21801.
Depending on the circumstances of any crash, liability could extend beyond the at fault driver. A Ford F-350 pickup truck is a type of commercial vehicle that is often used for work purposes. This could include construction or landscaping. If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any bicycle accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
The family of any victim that died in an Orange County car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. If the victim survived for some period of time after a crash, family members may also be able to pursue a survival action. Sadly, though, drivers will often fight hard to deny liability for any accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Fountain Valley Pickup Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dac Them Kieu. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to help make this intersection safer for bicyclists.
Do you need more information about a Fountain Valley car accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
