Holding Companies Accountable for Wrongful Death of Bicyclists
Today another bicyclist has been killed by a commercial truck, a dump truck turning at a busy intersection in Minneapolis near the University of Minnesota. The facts are similar to those in a case we just won at trial. We represented the family of a bicyclist who was run over by the rear wheels of the trailer of a right-turning tractor-trailer at a busy intersection. As is often the case, the trucking company said the bicyclist was 100% at fault, but our independent investigation proved otherwise.
Our investigation of the bicycle accident found the following evidence:
- There were falsifications in the truck driver’s logbooks;
- The deposition revealed that the truck driver had failed to monitor his right outside mirrors during his turn; and
- The truck driver’s admitted that he believed he was pulling a 48-foot trailer, as opposed to a 53-foot trailer.
After listening to our evidence, the jury found the truck driver 70% at fault and awarded the family of the bicyclist $2,469,339 in damages. While no amount of money will ever make up for the terrible loss the family has endured, they are thrilled that someone has been held accountable.
Campus Cruiser Bike Recall Over Defective Fork
A bike recall has been announced due to a defective fork and bike accident hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Boulder, Colorado-based Campus Cruisers is issuing the recall after four reports of cracks in the bikes’ aluminum front forks. Cracked forks can break, causing sudden loss of steering control to the cyclist and increasing the risk of a bike accident.
Campus Cruisers Bike Recall: Product Description
- Name: Eastside Fix Bicycle Aluminum Forks
- Sold as part of Campus Cruiser Eastside fixed gear bikes
- Color: Royal blue with white leather seats
- Sold at: Independent bike shops nationwide from March – May 2010
Owner should not ride the bikes with potentially defective forks; they may contact Campus Cruisers dealers for free repairs.
Dahon and REI Novara Bicycle Recall – Handlepost Defect
Dahon California Inc. of Duarte California and Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), of Kent, Washington, have recalled Novara folding bicycle because the hinge on the handlepost can crack, posing a fall hazard. There have been 25 reports of the handlepost hinge on these bicycles cracking, including one minor injury involving scrapes and bruises.
The Novara recall involves about 11,500 2008 model year Dahon and REI Novara Folding Bicycles, described as follows:
Dahon: Ciao P8, Curve D3, Curve SL, Glide P8, Jetstream P8, Mu P8,
Mu P24, MU SL, Mu XL Sport, Vitesse D7 HG, Speed D7,
Speed P8, Speed TR, Speed Pro TT, Mariner D7REI: Novara Buzz FlyBy and FlyBy Shuttle
The words “Dahon” or “Novara” and the model name are printed on the bicycle. Hinges with an “R” embossed on the face of the upper handlepost hinge and/or a “Radius Handlepost” sticker on the handlepost are not included in the recall.
The recalled bicycles were sold by authorized Dahon California dealers and REI stores nationwide from March 2008 through April 2009 for between $430 and $1,300. They were manufactured in Taiwan and China.
If no one has been injured on the bike, consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact any Dahon California dealer or REI store for a free inspection and repair. If someone has been injured on the bike, do not get it repaired and contact a lawyer at our law firm immediately: 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.
Minneapolis Truck-Bicycle Accident Results in Death
A bicyclist was killed this morning when a commercial truck driver turned into the cycling lane on Park Avenue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Our law firm is currently handling a case very much like this one. On August 15, 2008, Julie Casey died when she and her bicycle were struck by a semi-truck-trailer combination at a busy intersection. Her death was caused by the negligence of the truck driver and was entirely preventable if the driver had been looking where he was going and paying attention to bicyclists traveling on an adjoining bicycle path. Read about the LOOK bumper sticker designed in memory of Julie.
Attorney Fred Pritzker is an avid cyclist and former racer. He represents bicycle accident victims and their families with passion and understanding. We welcome family members to contact Fred or another attorney at our law firm to help protect the family’s legal rights: 612-338-0202 or submit our free consultation form.