Jun 21, 2016
Bike AccidentsMost progressive cities across America have begun to change their roadways to provide space and safety for people who want to travel by bicycle. Additionally, many have added bike rental stations to make environmentally sound travel available to more of their citizens. Because of this, more people are traveling via bicycles than ever before. Unfortunately, a bicyclist is easy for a driver to miss, especially when adding the factor of intoxication. A recent article describes a tragic accident that occurred in California.
According to police, a man was driving northbound on the San Tomas Expressway on Sunday, June 12. At around 4:12 p.m., the driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a bicyclist. The bike rider was ejected from his cycle and landed on the right shoulder of the road.
After striking the man, the car then wrecked into the concrete divider in the center of the road and came to a rest. The cyclist passed away at the scene from the major injuries he received in the crash. When police arrived, they arrested the driver for suspected drunk driving. He is currently facing felony counts of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
The driver in this situation faces criminal charges, but surviving family members in similar situations can rightfully pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver in civil court. An award in civil court could provide them reimbursement for medical costs, loss of income and other expenses that they may have incurred in a DUI accident involving a bicyclist. An attorney who is well versed in wrongful death litigation in California can guide loved ones in this process.
Source: Campbell, Ca. Patch., “Updated: Suspected DUI Arrest Made In Fatal Campbell Crash“, June 13, 2016
