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Father injured, 3-year-old killed in California bike crash

While many California residents have crashed while riding bicycles at some point in their lives, few may be aware of the increase in the severity of such crashes when vehicles are involved. Bicycle riders have no protection against the weight and force of cars, and it is not uncommon for such a bike crash to lead to catastrophic injuries and even death. When a pickup truck recently struck a bicycle in Kings County, a child lost his life, and his father suffered severe injuries.

The California Highway Patrol reported that a 27-year-old father was riding a bicycle, while pulling his son in a small trailer behind him. They were reportedly westbound on a local road when an 18-year-old driver in a pickup truck struck them from the rear. CHP says she was also heading west and was traveling at a speed of approximately 50 mph.

The accident occurred at night, and CHP reported that the bicycle had a headlight in front and a reflector on the trailer, as required by law. Both father and son suffered critical injuries and were flown to a hospital. Sadly, the 3-year-old boy passed away three days later. CHP reported that it has determined that alcohol played no role in this tragic accident.

No charges had been filed by the time of the media report, but the public information officer said the accident investigation will determine whether any charges will follow. In addition to the trauma caused by a bike crash like this one, the financial repercussions can be crippling for family members. Monetary recovery of the expenses related to the hospitalization of injured victims and the final expenses of those who suffered fatal injuries may be pursued by filing claims for personal injury and wrongful death in California civil court.

Source: hanfordsentinel.com, “Boy, 3, in bicycle crash dies“, Shannon Williams, April 15, 2015