[08-21-2021] San Diego County, CA – Bicycle Crash in Escondido Results in One Death

A 53-year-old man identified as Jerry Eugene T. was killed after a deadly bicycle crash in Escondido on Saturday night, August 21.

The fatal accident transpired at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Ronald Packard Parkway (78) near Centre City Parkway. The victim was riding his bicycle on the freeway’s westbound lanes when he tried to cross to the right shoulder. He was then struck by a white Volvo sedan that was driving at around 55 to 60 mph.

It’s unclear what caused the white Volvo to hit the bicyclist. The Volvo driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Unfortunately, the bicyclist was unable to survive his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Additional information about the accident is unavailable at the moment. The identities of the involved parties have not been disclosed. All eastbound lanes were temporarily closed to give way for the cleanup and investigation. Drugs and alcohol were not considered as factors in the crash. Authorities will attempt to determine the factors that caused the accident.

Fatal Bicycle Accident Statistics

When a car collides with a bike, the latter is always at a disadvantage. In a traffic collision, a bicycle cannot withstand the forces exerted by larger vehicles. As a result, the bicyclist may sustain catastrophic and deadly injuries, whereas the motor vehicle driver often walks away unhurt. According to the National Highway Road Safety Administration, 846 bicycles were killed in traffic collisions involving motor vehicles in 2019, down 3% from 871 in 2018. Bicyclists were responsible for 2% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities.

Seven hundred twenty cyclists died in California between 2013 and 2018. Bicycle accidents claimed the lives of 155 individuals in California in 2018. In 2017, 145 cyclists were killed, and 11,116 others were injured. Cars striking bicycles is the number one cause of bicyclist injuries and deaths in California. In many cases, the driver failed to yield the right of way, didn’t check for bikes before pulling out, ran a stop sign or red light, or wasn’t paying attention while driving.

San Diego County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal Bicycle Accidents

A fatal bicycle accident can leave the victim’s family distraught and confused about what they should do next. If you have lost a loved one from a deadly bicycle crash, you must immediately consult an experienced wrongful death attorney. Filing for a wrongful death claim is necessary as the victim’s family will receive compensation for the damages, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering that the tragic accident has caused them.

An attorney is necessary when filing a claim as insurance companies may try to take advantage of the victim’s family during their vulnerable state. They may try to lowball them and manipulate them into settling their claim immediately. Arash Law’s attorneys are here to help you with your situation. We understand the grief you’re feeling as a result of your loved one’s untimely passing. We can make a claim on your behalf and interact with the insurance provider on your behalf, reducing your worry during the process.