A teen cyclist is in critical condition after being hit by a hit-and-run driver in Long Beach on Thursday.
The accident happened about 4:55 p.m. at the intersection of 61st St. and Linden Ave. The bicyclist, a 15-year-old male, was riding his bicycle westbound on 61st St. The driver of a car that was northbound on Linden Ave. struck the cyclist in the intersection. The driver then fled the scene, without stopping and rendering aid.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, the bicyclist ran a stop sign. He was not wearing a helmet or other protective gear.
The hit-and-run driver's vehicle was described as a silver or light-colored compact car, possibly a Nissan Altima. It may have damage to its front-end.
The teenager was transported to a local hosptial, where he is listed in critical condition. According to a witness, the bicyclist appeared to have broken his leg and wrist, and was bleeding from the mouth.
Even if the bicyclist ran a stop sign, the driver of the hit-and-run car could bear fault for the accident. The driver may have been speeding, inattentive or drunk.
The city of Long Beach may also bear some responsibility for the bicycle accident. According to neighbor Stephanie Lopez, who lives hear the intersection, the location of the accident is notoriously dangerous. Cars often speed and children frequently play in the area. The neighbor has previously asked the city to install speed bumps or another stop sign farther down the street to slow the traffic. Sergeant Rico Fernandez of the Long Beach Police Department stated that the city is aware of the problem of speeding vehicles at that location.
If the city of Long Beach had prior notice of the speeding problem and failed to do anything about it, that could put partial liability for the accident on the city.
Even if the identity of the hit-and-run driver is never discovered, the injured cyclist could make a claim under his parents' auto insurance policy, if they have uninsured motorist coverage.