July 22, 2021
On Saturday afternoon, New York Jets assistant coach Greg Knapp got severely injured in a tragic bicycle accident in California. According to Tani Williams the spokesperson for San Ramon Police Department,
Greg Knapp was riding his bicycle when he was hit by a car near the intersection of Dougherty Road and North Monarch Road.
Knapp suffered major injuries and was transported to the hospital. The identity of the driver of the vehicle that hit Knapp is not known but is said to be cooperating with the investigation. The police are investigating the bicycle accident, driving under influence of drugs or alcohol has been ruled out.
The police are investigating the bicycle accident, driving under influence of drugs or alcohol has been ruled out.
58-year-old Knapp began his coaching career in 1986 at Sacramento State. From 2018-20 he was the quarterbacks’ coach for Falcon’s. He was hired in January 2021 by Robert Saleh as part of his team for the New York Jets.
He was serving as the pass game specialist and was helping develop quarterback Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall draft pick. The family members of Knapp and Saleh have asked everyone to pray for Knapp to be able to recover from the horrific accident.
Bicycle Accidents in California
California has busy roads and it is not easy for cyclists to ride on them without facing any danger. Many times the drivers of big cars, commercial trucks, and buses fail to see the cyclists riding next to them or ahead of them.
The drivers and passengers of motor vehicles are generally protected by seat belts, airbags, and overall protection of the vehicle, cyclists only have a helmet to protect them in case of an accident.
Every year around 500,000 victims of bicycle related injuries visits the emergency room. Hundreds of individuals lose their lives in bicycle accidents across the country.
California Bicycle Laws
As per Section 21200 of the California Vehicle Code, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
According to the California Vehicle code anyone riding a bicycle is also subject to laws on driving under the influence, giving pedestrians the right-of-way, and following the traffic signals.
There are some rules especially applicable only to motorists’ interactions with cyclists on the road. Since 2014, California requires all motor vehicle drivers to give at least three feet of space to cyclists when driving alongside or passing them.
Moreover, no one is allowed to obstruct a designated bicycle path by parking a car or bicycle on it.
As per the law under the following circumstances, the cyclists are allowed to “take the lane” and not use the designated bicycle lane:
- When passing
- When making a left turn,
- When avoiding dangers on the roadway
- When riding in a narrow lane that is difficult to share
- When approaching an authorized right turn
Who is liable for a bicycle accident ?
If a person is injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to determine who is responsible for the accident. Sometimes the motor vehicle drivers involved are held with only a minor violation after a bicycle accident.
In more serious bicycle accidents, the drivers can be charged with a misdemeanor or felonies like speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign or crosswalk, hit and run, or driving under the influence etc.
Victims of bicycle accidents can be left to suffer a lifetime of disabilities, financial hardships, pain and suffering.
If you or your family member has been involved in a bicycle accident, do not worry our team of highly skilled and committed lawyers at Khashan Law have the experience to represent accident victims and fight for their rights.
Contact us at 951-461-2387 for a free and confidential consultation