Accident-Lawyer News: 2 Recent Bicycle Accidents
Idahoans enjoy some of the best outdoor activities in the country, and many residents lead very active lifestyles, so it’s not surprising that the bicycling community thrives in the Treasure Valley. The green belt offers students a chance to ride to school, and children of all ages can ride their bikes during the warmer months.
Unfortunately, this means that we also have a high rate of car accidents involving cyclists. According to the Idaho Transportation Department, 399 bicyclists were involved in crashes in 2012, and the most likely age group to crash was 4 to 14.
Also, according to the Idaho Statewide Crash Database, most bicycle accidents occur between 3:00 pm and 5:59 pm, which is just after schools let out. If the past few weeks are any indication, these trends will hold through 2014.
Young Boy Struck By Semi Truck While Riding Bicycle
KAccording to KTVB News, two five-year-olds were riding their bikes in front of their families’ homes when they decided to ride further away, making their way toward a busy road. The parent who was supervising the children left them alone for only a few moments, but by the time the adult returned, the children were gone.
One of the kids made it across the busy road, but a truck struck the other. According to police, neither child was wearing a helmet. An ambulance rushed the child to a local hospital where doctors listed him in serious condition. He’s remained in that condition for the past several weeks following the accident.
Police interviewed witnesses and continue to investigate. There is no word on whether or not they plan to charge the driver.
If you’re suffering through injuries that you received during an accident with a reckless driver, call our offices right away to speak with an experienced accident lawyer. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we have more than 40 years of combined experience.
Call us today at 208-376-5256.
Teenager Struck And Killed While Riding Bike Through Intersection
KTVB News reports that 13-year-old Olivia Schnacker suffered serious injuries when she was struck by a car on Easter. The girl was riding with two other children when they attempted to ride through a crosswalk. A witness told police that the pedestrian signal above the road was illuminated at the time. A female driver failed to stop at the light and struck Schnacker.
The force of the collision threw the girl about 20 feet and knocked her unconscious. Onlookers rushed to help and began providing CPR to the girl, who still had a heartbeat. The sun was setting at the time, and the driver said that she had a hard time seeing through the sunlight. Witnesses confirm that she didn’t attempt to brake before striking the girl.
Paramedics rushed Schnacker to a nearby hospital. Doctors diagnosed her in critical condition and treated her for two days before she died from her injuries. Police say that they are still questioning the driver and have not made any arrests. If the statistics from 2012 are any indication, Schnacker is just one of 70 children who will experience injuries in bicycle crashes this year.
If a negligent driver has seriously injured you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to call us. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we are committed to standing up for victims and helping them find justice through civil lawsuits.
To schedule a consultation with a Boise accident lawyer, call us today at 208-376-5256.