In recent years, many Americans have taken up cycling for exercise, recreation or getting to school and work. Cities have encouraged this development, making new bike lanes and promoting the practice through “Bike To Work” days and similar events.
The popularity of cycling has been great in many ways, but unfortunately it is also associated with an increase in auto-bicycle accidents in many cities, including Seattle. According to the bike advocacy group People Powered Movement, fatal bike accidents increased 15% in Seattle over the past few years. In 2021, there were four fatal bike accidents in the city.
Bicycle advocates, urban planners and government officials have tried various strategies to try to make the streets safer for bicyclists, and the results have been mixed. Meanwhile, many bicycle accident victims and their families have been struggling to deal with the aftermath of an accident. And some have been calling for justice.
Widow calls for justice
Late last year, a bicyclist was killed when a driver turned left in front of him on Marine View Drive. Allegedly, the driver was at the wheel with a suspended driver’s license. According to a police report, the driver had a history of DUI convictions and was legally required to have an ignition-interlock device on his car, but no such device was installed on the vehicle involved in the fatal accident.
Police reportedly conducted only a minimal sobriety check on the driver following the accident and did not test his blood alcohol concentration. Police said they found no evidence of criminal behavior.
Recently, the bicyclist’s widow sent a letter to King County and Seattle prosecutors, demanding that they file criminal charges against the driver. She has accused the authorities of not treating the case with the seriousness it deserves.
Meanwhile, the widow has said she faces at least $19,000 in medical bills from medical treatment her husband received before his death. She has said that her health insurance will cover most, if not all, of these costs.
The aftermath of an accident
After an auto-bicycle crash, criminal charges may bring some degree of justice, and health insurance and car insurance may help the injured or their families with their costs, but the effects of a bad injury can go on for a lifetime. If the driver was at fault, the injured or their families may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.