Bicycle accident killed 62-year-old Illinois man

Especially in the beautiful Illinois summer weather, riding one’s bicycle can be an enjoyable as well as healthy experience. Due to the rising gas prices, more people are opting to ride their bicycles to places they need to go such as work instead of driving a motor vehicle. With an increased number of bicyclists, drivers of motor vehicles must be careful when driving near a bicyclist because they are not in enclosed vehicles and are susceptible to major injuries if hit. An Illinois bicycle accident occurred recently in which the cyclist was fatally injured.

The 62-year-old bicyclist was riding his bicycle in Fairview Heights in Illinois. It is not said in the report whether he was on his way to work or just riding for pleasure and exercise. Police initially suspect that the bicyclist swerved in front of a car causing the accident, but investigations are still underway.

The collision with the car resulted in serious injury for the bicyclist. He had to be taken to an area hospital, and he died there because of his injuries. The driver was not injured in the crash. It is not sure at this time what charges the driver of the car will be facing.

Since the accident is still being investigated, the police’s initial assumption could prove to be wrong. If the driver of the car is found to be at fault for the accident, then the family of the bicyclist could be entitled to a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death suit could provide the family with compensation for funeral costs, medical bills and punitive damages for the pain and suffering they have endured because of the loss of their loved one.

Source: CBS St. Louis, “UPDATE: 62-Year-Old Bicyclist Killed in Fairview Heights Accident,” July 10, 2013