California Injury Blog
A man was killed in a bicycle accident in Lancaster the morning of Aug. 25. According to a KTLA news report, the deadly collision occurred along Avenue K east of Stanridge Avenue. Preliminary investigations show that the bicyclist was riding west on Avenue K in the bicycle lane, when a man was driving a vehicle westbound as well. For unknown reasons, officials said, the vehicle swerved to the right, crossed into the bicycle lane and hit and cyclist from behind.
The bicyclist was launched forward and suffered critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he died. Officials do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash. They are, however, looking into the speed at which the vehicle was traveling. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact police at 661-948-8466.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of the deceased bicyclist for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 33 injuries reported as a result of bicycle accidents in the city of Lancaster. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 25 people died and 4,402 were injured due to bicycle accidents during the same year.
Causes and Compensation Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the motorist swerved crossed into the bike lane and struck the bicyclist from behind. We trust the ongoing investigation is asking a number of questions, which are currently unanswered. Was the driver distracted at the time of the crash? Was he or she fatigued or in other words, was the driver asleep at the wheel at the time? Did excessive speed play a part in this fatal collision?
In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. Victims’ families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
Source: https://ktla.com/2018/08/25/witnesses-sought-in-lancaster-crash-that-killed-bicyclist/