When a bicyclist is struck by an automobile, the injuries are more often than not very serious or even deadly. When a bicyclist is struck on a roadway with heavy traffic, they are placed at a high risk of multiple collisions.
A recent bike accident during heavy traffic in San Diego, California, led to the death of a male cyclist. It was not the initial collision that caused the fatal injuries, but the multiple collisions that followed. After an initial investigation, police suspect that at least two other vehicles ran over the man after the first impact.
The accident occurred on Thursday, March 22, 2012 just after 7 in the morning. The victim had been riding his bicycle down Balboa Avenue, a road that crosses over Interstate 805 in San Diego. As he was crossing the road, the driver of an SUV struck the bicycle, sending the victim into oncoming traffic. According to a San Diego Police Lieutenant, it was these subsequent collisions that most likely caused the fatal injury.
Even though there was no designated bicycle lane on the road, bicyclists have the right to ride on the side of the street and drivers have a duty to stay aware of their surroundings.
This incident is one that highlights a common situation in personal injury lawsuits. Although an initial collision may not directly cause the injuries that end the life of an accident victim, a driver can be held liable for the injuries that result from subsequent collisions that would not have occurred “but for” the negligence of the driver.
Source: 10 News, “Bicyclist Killed In Crash On Balboa Avenue Near I-805,” March 22, 2012
