Police in California are in the process of investigating a collision between a car and a bicyclist. Sadly, as is common in these kinds of cases, the bicyclist did not survive. Under the right circumstances, his surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses through legal means.
What happened?
According to reports, the victim — a 42-year-old male — was riding his bike on Camino Del Rio South on Tuesday, Sept. 14, when the driver of a sedan struck him with the front passenger side of her vehicle. Sadly, the victim died at the scene of the crash.
The driver
The driver was identified as a 25-year-old female. She did remain at the scene and is said to be cooperating with authorities. Investigators say they do not believe drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in this collision. At this time, it is unclear if any criminal charges are pending in this case.
Compensation
Losing a loved one in an auto versus bicycle accident is devastating, not just emotionally, but financially as well. While nothing can replace the life lost in this case, seeking monetary damages can help the victim’s family as they work to move forward from this tragic event. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, the victim’s loved ones can negotiate a fair settlement with insurance providers or file legal claims in a California civil court if negotiations fail to work in their favor. Under the law, any documented damages may be recoverable, whether they are economic or non-economic in nature, such as funeral expenses, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium — among a variety of others.