When a collision occurs between a bicycle and another larger vehicle, the consequences are often catastrophic or fatal for the person who is on the bicycle. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 716 bicyclists were killed in the year 2008. Of those fatally injured victims, four were killed in Oklahoma. When a bicycle accident fatality occurs as the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, financial compensation may be available for the victim’s family.
A wrongful death claim in Oklahoma is a civil lawsuit that the family of a deceased bicycle accident victim can file against the at-fault party. However, proving that a driver’s negligence caused or contributed to a fatal car accident can be a challenging process. It is important to remember that a driver does not have to face citations or criminal charges in order to be held financially accountable for a fatal bicycle accident.
There are a number of questions that must be asked following a fatal bicycle accident. Was the driver distracted due to using a cell phone or texting? Was the driver fatigued? Was the motorist speeding or making a dangerous lane change? Were there any witnesses to the collision? Were there any security cameras in the area that captured the incident?
A bicycle accident investigation, like any other accident probe, can become lengthy and complex. Investigators may have to sift through conflicting eyewitness testimony and other evidence before arriving at a conclusion. Families of bicycle accident victims may be left with a number of unanswered questions in the aftermath of a crash. It is important that they seek out the legal support they need during this time to ensure that their rights are protected.
