Cyclist Killed in Hit and Run in Wilmington
A big rig truck collided with a cyclist in the intersection of Anaheim Street and Sampson Avenue early Friday morning, December 14, 2018. According to police at the scene, witnesses say that the truck was traveling west on Anaheim Street and stuck a cyclist crossing the street at the intersection. The right rear side of the trailer hit the bicycled causing the rider to be thrown off while the big rig continued without stopping.
Paramedics pronounced the cyclist dead at the scene, and police are still looking for the driver of the truck. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD at 877-527-3247. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Big Rigs and Hit and Run Crashes
Collision between cyclists and big rig trucks are especially dangerous due to the size and weight of the truck. A tractor trailer fully loaded can weigh up to 80,000 lbs, and even a slight impact with a bicycle can be devastating.
When a cyclist tangles with a big rid truck, the odds of serious injury or death goes up considerably compared to typical passenger vehicles. This is made worse when the driver of the truck flees the scene. This is because if there are no witnesses, then the cyclist may be laying on the pavement injured until someone comes along and calls for help.
Who Pays for a Hit-and-Run Cyclist Crash?
In a typical vehicle-bicycle crash, the vehicle driver is more likely to be at fault, and if that’s the case, then driver’s insurance will pay for the damages and injuries. However, in a hit-and-run, the insurance company of the driver is unknown unless he or she is caught thus making it unclear who will cover the losses.
When this happens, the cyclist might be able to make a claim on their own automobile insurance policy as many policies consider a bicycle a vehicle, and the insured’s own insurance might cover some of the losses.
Also, once the person is found, then a claim can be made against the right insurance company. This is true even if the cyclist has already received money from their insurance company. Some or maybe all of this might have to be paid back to the cyclist’s insurance company, but it’s usually still worth it to pursue a claim.
Do I need an Attorney?
You need an attorney that understands bicycle law and is experienced in both bike accidents and hit-and-run cases. The attorneys at Bay Area Bike Law have the knowledge and experience to help you in these cases. They are the only firm in North California that deals exclusively with bicycle 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.