A bicycle accident can happen under just about any circumstances, but drivers may be more likely to not see a rider in the late night or early evening hours. Dark conditions can increase the chances of an accident, but that does not mean that a rider may not still have a personal injury case.
A 22-year-old Pennsylvania bicyclist is alive but injured after an accident with a Kia Optima driven by a man trying to escape police pursuit. According to reports, the accident happened in West Philadelphia around 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 27. A 20-year-old man was reportedly trying to evade officers who had attempted to pull him over.
The 20-year-old reportedly crashed into the bicyclist and continued on, fleeing the scene and then crashing into a parked car on Baltimore Avenue. The man then abandoned the running car and continued on foot.
He was arrested by police at his residence and was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. The bicyclist was at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and listed in stable conditions. Reports indicated the man suffered injuries to his legs, neck and arms.
Contrary to what some motorists may believe, bicyclists do have the same rights to the roads as vehicles, as long as they follow the laws and use bike lanes where specified. When a bicycle accident occurs either from a distracted driver who fails to notice the bike or someone driving recklessly, the rider often bears the brunt of the impact and suffers serious injuries. When a person is injured due to the negligence of another party, a personal injury lawsuit through civil court may be an option.
Source: philly.com, "Driver accused of two hit-and-runs during police chase in West Philadelphia" Alex Wigglesworth, Sep. 27, 2014
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