Expert Advocacy

San Diego County Hit-and-Run Claims Bicyclist’s Life

A hit-and-run accident in San Diego County recently left one bicyclist with fatal injuries, according to an article in The Sacramento Bee.

The bicyclist, an 18-year-old man from Escondido, was riding in Rancho Santa Fe when he was struck by a truck driven by a 19-year-old student from Del Mar. The impact damaged the truck’s headlight and tire. According to investigators, the driver of the pickup truck pulled over after the accident to adjust pieces of the broken headlight and to pull strips of rubber off the damaged tire. He then drove home on what remained of the tire, leaving the severely injured bicyclist behind.

According to the Bee, prosecutors in San Diego County are proceeding on criminal charges against the truck’s driver. California’s criminal courts have the power to handle hit-and-run cases, but an additional suit can also be pursued in civil court in order to compensate an injured person or that person’s family directly after a hit-and-run accident. While the county prosecutor makes the decision to pursue a criminal case, an injured person or his or her family makes the decision whether or not to pursue a civil one.

Bicyclists have the same legal rights to use the road as motor vehicles, but their greater exposure means they are more likely to suffer serious injuries if a crash occurs. An experienced southern California bicycle accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need, so you can focus on getting well. For a free consultation, call us today.