Five people were injured--one seriously--in a hit-and-run bicycle accident after the group of cyclists was mowed down by a van that fled the scene. According to a blog in Ottawa personal injury attorney Auger Hollingsworth's website (http://www.personalinjuryottawa.ca/index.asp?name=blog&id=631), the bicycle accident, which critically injured one bicyclist, occurred the morning of July 19, 2009. A day after the car accident, the hit-and-run driver turned himself in to authorities. He is behind bars while police determine the scope of criminal charges he will face.
My heart goes out to all the injured victims. These were avid bicyclists just enjoying an early morning ride. I don't know the exact circumstances under which the van driver hit them and why he took off. Was he under the influence? Was he distracted? Was he speeding or driving recklessly. I trust we will hear more about this as the investigation progresses. I wish the injured cyclists the very best. I hope they have a quick and complete recovery.
As it turns out, cycling legend Lance Armstrong gave a shout-out to these injured cyclists through a video blog. Armstrong says in his blog: "There was a group of cyclists hit in Ottawa yesterday by a van that just kept going, a hit-and run, and I hope everybody there is doing well and we’re all thinking about you…Be safe on the roads, any time you have that interaction of bikes and cars, you never know what can happen."
This kind of a message is great, especially coming from a superstar like Lance Armstrong. It's not only a warning for bicyclists, but also motorists who must remember that we share the road not only with larger vehicles, but also motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Bicyclists are constantly facing a risk out on the roadways because there is always a chance that a motorist will not see them. In this particular Ottawa bicycle accident, I think that the driver would face significant charges for not only crashing into a group of bicyclists, but also leaving the scene of the accident.
These victims and others who are injured in bicycle accidents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out how they can pursue their legal rights. In this case, the driver who hit the cyclists should be held criminally and civilly responsible for the accident and injuries. Victims in these incidents may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages and even cost of long-term care if that becomes necessary.
SLS Consulting