California Injury Blog
Bryan Lembke, 39, died Nov. 11, days after he suffered critical injuries in a Long Beach bicycle accident. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred on Nov. 7 when Lembke was rear-ended while biking westbound in the third lane of Spring Street near the 605 Freeway. The driver, a 53-year-old Cypress man, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No arrests or citations have been reported yet. Long Beach police are still looking for anyone who might have seen the collision. If you have any information, call 562-570-7355.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of Bryan Lembke for their tragic and sudden loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
One fatality and 210 injuries were reported in the city of Long Beach as a result of bicycle accidents in 2015, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 34 people died and 4,158 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents.
What Caused this Fatal Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver rear-ended the bicyclist who was traveling in a traffic lane. There are a number of unanswered questions here. What caused the driver to strike the bicyclist? Was the driver under the influence at the time? Was he distracted by an electronic device or something else? Did speed play a part in this fatal crash? We trust officials are asking these and other questions in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file what is known as wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for their damages and losses. Such lawsuits are typically filed by a spouse, a child (grown or minor), other family members or individuals who were financially dependent on the decedent. A wrongful death lawsuit could seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost future income and benefits, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship.
Families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer who has successfully handled wrongful death lawsuits and has helped those who have lost loved ones in a traumatic event seek maximum compensation for their losses.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/11/12/crestline-bicyclist-dies-days-after-long-beach-collision/