A man was killed in a Huntington Beach bicycle accident, which officials said, involved a driver who tried to flee the scene. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash occurred early morning on July 14th at Beach Boulevard and Sunrise Drive. Officials who responded to the crash found the suspected vehicle and driver who was arrested, fleeing the crash scene. Police asked that anyone who witnessed the crash call Huntington Beach police at 714-536-5670.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased bicyclist for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the incident occurred at a street intersection. However, it is unclear as to how or why the collision occurred. There are a number of unanswered questions here. What caused this fatal collision to occur? Was the driver of the vehicle who struck the bicyclist under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs? Was the driver speeding or distracted at the time of the crash? Did drowsy driving play a part? Was the driver reckless or negligent in any other way? We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Laws and Liability Issues
It is not clear what other laws have been violated. However, it appears that the driver may have left the scene of the crash without waiting for officials to arrive. This is illegal under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing has been a factor, at-fault motorists can be held financially responsible for the individual’s wrongful death. Families of deceased bicycle accident victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced Huntington Beach bicycle accident lawyer will be able to advise families in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/07/14/driver-accused-of-fatally-striking-bicyclist-in-huntington-beach-then-fleeing-is-arrested/