There are a variety of different ways to legally use roadways. In fact, many people choose to ride a bicycle in order to save money, promote health and protect the environment. Unfortunately, some bicyclists may be in danger if there are negligent drivers on the roadways. For example, a man in Wisconsin recently pleaded guilty to charges related to a fatal hit-and-run car accident involving a bicyclist.
The incident happened one evening in August 2015. Police were first alerted to the crash by a passerby who informed them about an injured motorcyclist. When officers arrived, however, no motorcycle was discovered. However, a deceased man was discovered lying in the grass, and there was debris in the road indicating that an accident took place.
Surveillance footage revealed that the accident occurred approximately 15 minutes before police received a call. The footage showed a car striking a bicyclist from behind; the driver did not stop at the scene. The driver, a 31-year-old man, arranged for his car to be surrendered to police the following day through an attorney, and he was arrested soon after. He recently pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from the accident.
The Wisconsin man’s guilty plea in regard to charges stemming from the fatal car accident may provide some degree of closure to the victim’s grieving family. However, the ramifications of an unexpected and tragic loss such as this go deeper than emotions. The families of many victims often suffer financially as a result of funeral expenses and lost wages. In many cases such as this, surviving family members can pursue damages in a civil court. If negligence can be proved — a claim that is supported by a conviction of criminal charges — families may be better prepared to cope with the financial consequences of their loss.
Source: fox6now.com, “31-year-old Menomonee Falls man pleads guilty after fatal hit-and-run crash in Germantown“, Katie DeLong, July 20, 2016
