Most cities throughout America have begun to change their roadways to provide more space and safety for bicyclists. Because of this, more people are using bicycles as transportation than ever before. Unfortunately, bicyclists are easy for car drivers to miss, which can result in serious consequences when an accident happens. A recent hit-and-run bicycle accident in California resulted in fatal injuries to the cyclist and charges for the tow truck driver that hit him.

According to prosecutors, a 51-year-old man was driving a flatbed tow truck along a local road at approximately midnight on February 18, 2016. The truck crashed into a 14-year-old boy, who was riding his bicycle southbound along the road. The teen had apparently been trying to cross the road on a red light at an intersection.

Though the tow truck driver maintains that he did not know what he hit that night, he does admit that he felt a bump as his truck moved through the intersection. According to prosecutors, however, his alleged actions after the accident suggest otherwise. The driver supposedly washed the truck he was driving on the night of the accident and professes that he knew nothing about the fatal crash until the next day when he received a call from another about the incident. He his charged with a misdemeanor count of destroying or concealing evidence and a felony count of fleeing the scene of an accident that led to injury or death.

Though the driver has not yet been convicted of criminal charges, the family of the teen can rightfully pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against tow truck driver in civil court. This may allow them to seek reimbursement for medical bills and expenses that accrue as a result of such an accident. A family facing a similar bicycle accident in California often seeks the counsel of a personal injury attorney in the event of a crash. An attorney who is well-versed in California traffic laws could help guide the family in how to pursue restitution.

Source: vcstar.com, “Ventura tow truck driver pleads not guilty in hit-and-run incident that killed boy“, John Scheibe, Aug. 10, 2016