Family of Deceased Bicyclist Files $5 Million Lawsuit
According to a Baltimore Sun article, on August 4, 2009, a 67-year-old man was traveling south by bicycle along Baltimore’s Maryland Avenue when he became entangled in the rear wheels of a truck. The man was run over and killed as the vehicle turned right on Lafayette Avenue in the Charles North neighborhood. The driver of the fully loaded fuel tanker failed to stop, although investigators do not believe the driver was aware of the accident. The cyclist died at the scene.
The civil suit, filed March 3, 2010 on behalf of the victim’s family, alleges negligence on the part of the driver and his employer, a local demolition, excavation and equipment rental company. The wrongful-death lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of $5 million.
The victim’s attorney claims that the driver is to blame due to surveillance video that shows the driver failing to signal as he makes the right turn. He also contends that the driver failed to make sure the area was clear and free of cyclists and pedestrians before turning right.
Investigators found the cyclist to be at fault for riding in parking lanes and attempting to pass the fuel tanker on the right, which is illegal in the state of Maryland. Criminal charges were never filed against the driver of the vehicle. However, if the motorist had been suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he may have faced criminal penalties, if convicted, in addition to the wrongful death suit.
Similar to wrongful death litigation, personal injury claims in Maryland may be filed on behalf of those who have been injured due to another person’s negligent actions. If you have been injured in a bicycle, car, drunk driving, or motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by someone else’s reckless behavior, please contact the Bethesda injury lawyers at Meng & Alpert, LLC. Call 866-444-6363 today for a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
