Bicyclists are everywhere in our city. Unfortunately, that means that bike accidents occur here at higher rates than in many other parts of the country. As San Francisco bike crash attorneys know, as a result of the minimal protection available, these types of accidents often result in horrific injuries for cyclists, often caused by the negligence of others on the road. However, it should not be forgotten that cyclists can also cause severe injury to others when they do not exercise proper care.
For example, in the past year there have been two fatal collisions between a bicyclist and a pedestrian in San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, one of these unfortunate accidents occurred on the morning of March 29th when cyclist Christ Bucchere hit pedestrian Sutchi Hui, 71. Hui was walking in the crosswalk at Market and Castro in San Francisco when Bucchere hit him riding in the opposite direction. Hui died four days later at San Francisco General Hospital.
In an online post allegedly written by Bucchere, he admitted to entering the intersection after the traffic light had turned yellow because he was “too committed to stop”. By the time he reached the crosswalk on the opposite side of the intersection the light had turned red and pedestrians had started crossing in both directions. Unable to ride through the crowd safely he decided to lay the bike down and ended up plowing through the people in the crosswalk. Both cyclist and pedestrian were hospitalized after the accident, although Bucchere was discharged that day. Apparently Hui was the only pedestrian injured in the incident.
Prosecutors are currently working with police in investigating possible charges against Bucchere. One possible charge is vehicular manslaughter. That is what another cyclists was charged with following the last San Francisco fatal collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian in April of last year. In that case the cyclist pled guilty to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to three years’ probation and 500 hours of community service. In addition he was ordered to pay $15,375 in restitution to the pedestrian’s family.
When a loved one is lost nothing can be done to replace them. Although a legal suit is not the easiest idea to contemplate while enduring such a tragedy, Peninsula bike accident attorneys know the importance that a civil case can have on the future of those who have lost a loved one in an unexpected accident. Compensation awarded in such a suit can provide the continued help survivors need in order to heal, as well as economic help to move forward in their lives. In addition, by pursuing civil actions a strong message is sent to the community that such carelessness is not going to be accepted.
The attorneys of the Bay Area personal injury law firm at Brod Law (www.brodfirm.com) are experienced in assisting grieving family members through this type of civil legal process. If you have lost a loved one in such an accident or have been injured in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to call our office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
See Related Blog Posts: