Bicyclists must share the road with motorists at all times. This can be a challenge for bicyclists who choose to cross a busy highway. They can be difficult to see and they go slower, making them likely victims of accidents. A recent accident in Florida on U.S. 192 involved a motorcycle and bicycle, killing both drivers.
On the evening of Nov. 15, the motorcycle was on U.S. 192 traveling westbound near Knotty Pine Road when the bicyclist was trying to cross the highway. The bicycle went into the motorcycle’s path and the two collided. Both drivers were ejected.
The motorcyclist was run over by a white pickup truck, which fled the scene. The following day, police received a call from a person who believes their white Toyota SUV may have been the one who ran over the motorcyclist, a 25-year-old man. The motorcyclist and the bicyclist, a 50-year-old man, both received fatal injuries.
Police are still investigating the motorcycle accident. The owner of the SUV could face charges pending the result of the investigation.
Had the bicycle rider survived, he may have been held liable for the accident, since bicycle riders typically should not be driving near highways and other areas where motorists travel at excessive speed. However, with the driver of the SUV coming forward, there is now someone to charge with at least one person’s death.
The driver of the SUV will likely face hit-and-run charges for fleeing the accident scene, but will he be held fully responsible for the man’s death? In his defense, the man was hit and ejected before the SUV came along. It is possible that the man could have still died even if the SUV did not hit him. This is something the police and courts should consider before charging the man with a crime.
Source: Space Coast Daily, “UPDATE: Two Killed In Motorcycle – Bicycle Accident” No author given, Nov. 17, 2013
