Hit-and-run bicycle accident kills Fayette County rider

Most motor vehicle operators in Illinois keep a lookout for bicyclists and pedestrians. Nevertheless, incidents continue to occur in which bicyclists are knocked down by motorists — often with devastating consequences. It is also not all that uncommon for a driver who caused a bicycle accident to flee the scene without stopping.

A 30-year-old bicyclist was traveling west on U.S. Route 40 in Fayette County shortly before 6 a.m. on a recent Monday when he was struck by a car that was also westbound. The driver allegedly failed to stop and check on the victim, and he also did not file a police report after the accident. Investigators with the Illinois State Police identified the alleged hit-and-run driver as a 31-year-old man.

The bicycle rider suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene of the accident. The driver who is suspected of having caused the death of the bicyclist will be facing several preliminary charges, including leaving the scene of an accident with possible injuries. The accident investigation is ongoing, and witnesses were asked to contact the police.

Coming to terms with a loved one’s death in a bicycle accident that could likely have been avoided will naturally be difficult. Surviving family members may pursue financial relief to help with the high costs of end-of-life arrangements and other economic losses sustained. Negligence on the part of the vehicle operator will have to be established, upon which the court may consider entering a monetary judgment to cover documented losses that may also include emotional losses such as loss of companionship.

Source: wandtv.com, “UPDATED: ISP investigating early-morning fatal crash in Fayette County“, March 28, 2016