Bicycle riders in Hawaii are incredibly vulnerable. This is often underscored by auto accidents that cause severe or fatal injuries to cyclists. So far this year, 32 people have lost their lives in traffic-related accidents on the island. This includes a fatal crash that happened in Hilo on a recent Wednesday.
According to a police report, emergency workers responded after receiving a call about a collision on Highway 19 shortly before 6 a.m. They arrived at the scene where a bicyclist had been struck by a sedan. Authorities say the car was northbound on the highway, and the man on the bicycle was riding on the road’s shoulder and heading in the same direction when the vehicle struck him. The cyclist was transported to a hospital, but he did not survive.
The 26-year-old driver of the car was arrested after he had received medical treatment at a hospital. Police say they suspect excessive speed played a role in this fatal accident, but it is unknown whether the driver was impaired. The driver was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide.
When negligent drivers cause fatal car accidents in Hawaii, the families who have lost loved ones may be entitled to pursue financial relief. An experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney can assist with the establishment of negligence. Once the court has established liability, it will determine whether there are damages before adjudicating documented losses which might then be covered by a monetary judgment. Claims may include medical and end-of-life expenses along with other financial losses and emotional damages.
Source: hawaii247.com, “Bicycle rider dies after crash with car Wednesday morning“, Dec. 6, 2017
