California Injury Blog
September 25, 2012–San Diego, CA–According to CBS News, a triathlete was riding his bicycle last Sunday when he was struck by a vehicle and subsequently died of the injuries sustained. The bicycle accident threw the victim to the ground and caused him to sustain significant trauma.
Scott Folck, 35, of San Diego, was in training for an upcoming triathlon and was riding his bike along Cool Water Ranch Road near Wood Falley Road. Folck was transported to an area hospital after the accident, where surgeons worked to save his life. However, the doctors were unable to save him, and he died from his injuries some time later.
The authorities have not released any information on the name of the driver or any charges that might have been made against him or her.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family of this young man.
Bicycle Accidents Cause Numerous Deaths in California
California has one of the highest death rates in the country for cyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least 100 people are killed every year in California bicycle accidents, and thousands more are injured. Only four other states have higher death rates for bicyclists.
California’s high bicycle accident rate probably stems from two important factors. First, the population of the state is one of the highest in the nation, so statistically there will be a greater number of accidents here than in states with low population densities. However, there is another important factor driving these accident statistics as well. Californians enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that includes biking, walking, hiking, and other activities to stay fit. This means that the opportunity for cyclists and others to suffer injuries is greater than in states where people tend to stay indoors more often due to cold or inclement weather.
Will The Driver Be Charged?
There are two important questions to answer in this case. First, did the driver commit a crime? Second, is he or she liable for the death of this cyclist?
The two questions are separate and must be answered individually. A driver can be liable for damages without committing a criminal act, so it remains to be seen if the driver will be charged with a crime, held liable for damages, or both.
Liability Issues in Bicycle Accidents
California law requires motorists to avoid collisions with pedestrians and cyclists by yielding the right-of-way when these people are present. A California bicycle accident attorney should examine the facts of this case to determine if the driver is liable for this death.