Cyclist Dies in Double Hit-and-Run in East San Jose
A driver hit a pickup truck and then a cyclist before fleeing on foot. The accident happened Thursday, August 29. 2019, around 3:45 p.m. at the intersection of Story Road and South Jackson Avenue. Witnesses say that a Gold Chevy Suburban was traveling west on Story Road when he hit a blue Chevy Silverado pickup and then went on into the intersection and hit a cyclist in the crosswalk.
The Suburban then stopped and the driver got out of the pickup and fled on foot. A San Jose Police Department spokesperson said that the cyclist didn’t survive the impact and the driver of the pickup was taken to a local hospital with significant injuries.
Police are still looking for the driver of the Suburban who faces at least two counts of felony hit-and-run charges.
Cyclist Hit-and-Run Crashes
According to a report from the American Automobile Association, around 2,000 people die in hit-and-run crashes each year with the majority of them being pedestrians and cyclists. When the victim lives, the fact that the driver flees increases the risks to the victim.
In many cases, the at-fault driver will call for help or assist in emergency medical aid. But when the driver flees, it often leaves the victim at the mercy of being found by others. In many cases, the accident happens in view of other people, so there is immediate help. In other times, it may be minutes or even longer before someone notices.
Cyclist Hit-an-Run Injuries
To a victim of a hit-and-run, delay can mean the difference between life and death or permanent disability and a full recovery. Certain types of injuries that need to be attended to immediately are: e:
- Neck Injuries
- Deep lacerations
- Heart Attack
- Pregnancy/Delivery
- Punctured Lungs
- Eye Trauma
Do I Need an Attorney?
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run, don’t assume that you can’t get compensation because the driver was never found. A good attorney can help you identify other sources of compensation such as your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorists’ coverage or medpay provision.
At Bay Area Bicycle Law, we are avid cyclists ourselves and uniquely aware of the dangers cyclists face when riding in the city, and we are the only law firm in northern California that deals exclusively with bicycle law.
We know how difficult the driver’s insurance company can be, and we have the experience in getting injured cyclists the compensation they deserve under the law. Start putting someone on your side, call us at (415) 466 8717 or click here to contact us online. If you still wonder if we’re the right firm for you or even if you need an attorney, read this this for help answering these questions.