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Wisconsin bicyclist killed in car accident; driver charged

As more people become aware of the need for exercise and the consequences of excessive gasoline consumption on the environment, more people seem to be turning to alternative forms of transportation such as bicycles. Unfortunately, those on bicycles can be placed at risk due to the negligent acts of others.  For example, a car accident in Wisconsin involving a bicyclist recently resulted in a fatality.

The accident happened just before 3 a.m. one morning in October. Police received a call about a vehicle that had struck something, but the driver of the commercial vehicle was apparently unsure about what he had struck. When an officer arrived at the scene, he found a 55-year-old bicyclist and his bike in the ditch. He died at the scene.

The 28-year-old driver of the commercial vehicle reportedly told the police that he had been driving for approximately 10 hours at the time of the accident. He is said to have acknowledged that he was very tired. He now faces criminal charges, including homicide and inattentive driving. A judge connected to the case reportedly noted that the man’s negligence appears to have caused the fatality.

As a result of the man’s alleged negligence, a Wisconsin family now has to face life without their loved one. In addition to their grief, they may also face an uncertain financial future as a result of lost wages and funeral expenses. Although not necessary, a conviction concerning the criminal charges could help the family members of the car accident victim prove the accident was a result of negligence, in which case a civil court could award them monetary damages in accordance with applicable laws.

Source: The Lakeland Times, “Driver arrested following fatal Minocqua accident“, Jamie Taylor, Oct. 27, 2014

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