California car accident proves fatal to bicyclist in Los Angeles
Serious personal injuries can occur anytime and anyplace. One of the most common events that can lead to a serious personal injury is a car accident, and motorists need to drive safely in order to avoid them. Unfortunately, one driver recently failed to do so, and struck and killed a bicyclist.
According to a local report, the bicycle-car accident occurred in Oxnard, California. Authorities state that a 43-year-old man, who was riding his bicycle at the intersection of Raiders Way and Rose Avenue, was struck by a vehicle around 2 a.m. The bicyclist suffered fatal injuries in the collision.
Police report that they found the bicyclist on the roadway when they arrived at the scene of the crash. The victim’s bicycle was jammed underneath the car that struck him, and the vehicle’s driver had fled the scene. He was later found and taken into custody by police. The driver was charged with suspicion of felony hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter and two outstanding DUI counts.
Drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states. Suspected drunk drivers may face criminal charges, if their blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit and if their drunk driving played a role in a car accident. Drivers may be considered negligent, which can result in both criminal and civil liability.
Stories of fatal car accidents in California are tragic because they could have been prevented, if the alleged drunk driver chose not to drive. Losing a loved one to a drunk driver can be devastating. Fortunately, the victim’s family may be able to hold the drunk driver legally accountable for emotional and economic damages.
Source: CBS, “Bicyclist Fatally Struck By Suspected DUI Driver in Oxnard,” Jan. 26, 2014