California Injury Blog
A 62-year-old man was fatally injured in a bicycle accident after he was struck from behind by a pickup truck.
According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash occurred on Chapman Avenue on the morning of Aug. 18. The bicyclist was westbound on Chapman near Ladera Vista Drive when he was hit by a Ford F-250 pickup truck.
Fatal Bicycle Crash in Fullerton
The impact of this collision threw the man into a planter. He died from his injuries at a hospital. The driver of the pickup truck went briefly up onto the sidewalk where he lost a front tire. But he kept going and did not stop at the scene. A witness noticed the missing tire and sparks on the pavement and pointed police to West Jacaranda Place and Delphine Place, about four miles from the crash site.
Witnesses told police the driver exited the truck and fled into the neighborhood. Investigators are still working to determine whether the pickup found in the neighborhood was indeed the same one that struck and killed the bicyclist. The investigation is still ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased bicyclist for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Justice for Victims and Families
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the pickup struck the bicyclist from behind. It is still unclear why that occurred. Was the driver of the pickup impaired? Was the driver distracted, inattentive, or otherwise negligent? It also appears in this case that the driver fled the scene of the accident after causing a fatal crash. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a), it is illegal to leave the scene of an injury or fatal crash.
In such cases, victims’ families may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced Fullerton bicycle accident lawyer who has successfully handled hit-and-run collision cases will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
A knowledgeable Orange County car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims’ families about how their own auto insurance policy might help compensate them in a hit-and-run crash or in an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/08/18/bicyclist-fatally-struck-on-chapman-avenue-in-fullerton-motorist-flees/