California family sues over fatal car accident involving police

In a perfect world, all of California’s towns and cities would have a system of bicycle thoroughfares vast enough to ensure that bicyclists would never have to share the road with motor vehicles. This of course is not the case and in order to reach their destinations, bicyclists often find themselves sharing the road with motor vehicles.

This situation can be precarious. Bicyclists must be alert to all potential dangers in their vicinity. In turn, motorists must give those on bikes room enough to proceed safely. If bike riders and auto drivers stay alert and respect one another’s right of way, then accidents are more likely to be avoided. However, if a distracted driver happens upon a scene where bicycles are present, the results may be tragic.

In December of last year, a 65-year-old bicyclist was allegedly fatally struck by a patrol car driven by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy. The deputy, who was on duty at the time of the accident, is believed by the victim’s family to have been engaged in texting while behind the wheel.

According to the family’s attorney, information in a published report is consistent with the belief that the officer was distracted by texting during the time leading up to the accident.

A report issued by the Sheriff’s Department states that witnesses described the accident occurring when the patrol car drifted into the bike lane after not properly negotiating a curve. In addition, witnesses stated that they saw no brake lights just before the collision.

In response to the incident, the family recently brought forth a lawsuit. The family’s attorney says the lawsuit is a means by which to get the Sheriff’s Department to release evidence regarding the case.

Whenever a motor vehicle comes in contact with a bicycle, the rider is instantly placed in circumstances that could lead to serious or fatal injury. When an accident does prove fatal, a lawsuit can be used as a way to obtain the facts necessary to figure out what actually happened.

If you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident and are seeking to discover the true series of events, a California accident attorney with knowledge of investigative techniques may know methods to help you get answers.