A male bicyclist was killed in a Riverside car accident, which police say, was caused by a hit-and-run driver. According to a news report in The Desert Sun, the fatal bicycle accident occurred on Avenue 54 near Madison Street in La Quinta, the afternoon of December 14, 2010. The bicyclist, whom police have only identified as a 55- to 65-year-old man, was riding westbound when a car struck him. He died at the scene. The driver fled the scene, but was arrested later that day and identified as 52-year-old Tracy Salter. Salter faces felony hit-and-run charges.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the bicyclist killed in this tragic hit-and-run car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but six injuries reported in La Quinta as a result of bicycle accidents. In Riverside County as a whole, nine people died and 362 were injured in bicycle accidents during the same year.
Hit-and-Run Drivers
It is not only against the law, but also morally reprehensible to leave the scene of an injury car accident. In this case, the driver fled the scene when the victim was fatally injured and lying on the roadway potentially exposed to further danger. It is not clear why Salter left the scene, but “I panicked” or “I was scared” are not acceptable excuses for hit-and-run in my book. The right thing to do is to take responsibility for one’s actions in such situations.
The law requires drivers to stop and remain at the scene of a car accident, regardless of whose fault the accident was. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
Liability Issues
The family of a victim killed in a hit-and-run car accident would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the family’s legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer should also be able to advise families about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Lost a family member in a Riverside County hit-and-run car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal La Quinta bicycle accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Riverside wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
What are some of the most dangerous roadways for bicyclists in your city or neighborhood?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.