Man Killed in Bicycle Accident
A North Highlands bicyclist, riding home after work, was killed on November 12 after being struck by several vehicles. According to authorities, the young man died at once after being struck by the first vehicle, which fled the scene. I want to extend my condolences and sympathy to the family of this young man in their sorrow.
What Happened
The bicyclist, Daulton Kilpatrick, 19, was riding his bike toward home after leaving the business where he worked at Watt Avenue and was struck by a driver at around 10:50 in the evening close to the intersection with Poplar Boulevard. After the driver left the scene of the accident without stopping, he was struck again by an additional driver. The young man was reportedly wearing dark clothing and was not wearing a helmet.
A spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that this driver stopped his vehicle and called for emergency assistance, saying that he did not see the young man lying in the road.
Family Devastated by the Accident
According to the family, Kilpatrick enjoyed riding his bike and had a new one. His mother stated that the impact was so severe, he was knocked from his shoes and died instantly. A neighbor said that she was working at collecting petition signatures asking that a bike trail be constructed along the road where the accident occurred. No streetlights illuminate the area where the bicycle rider was killed. After dark, she said there was insufficient space for a bicyclist to pass underneath the bridge. The family is asking that whoever struck their son to come forward.
Police Investigation
The CHP is conducting an investigation into the accident. Apparently, no eyewitnesses were located; however, surveillance cameras may help in locating the hit and run driver. Those with information about the accident are requested to phone the CHP.
Bicycle Accidents Around Sacramento
The California Office of Traffic Safety keeps statistics on motor vehicle accidents and reports that in 2014, there were 579 injuries and deaths of bicyclists reported out of a total of 9,747 fatalities and injuries that year. This places Sacramento County as number 17 out of the total of 58 counties in the state.
Sacramento Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to a report issued by the Sacramento Bee a few months ago, Sacramento is the site for numerous bicycle accidents with 32,000 injuries to bicyclists and 38 deaths happening over the past 15 years. The sad death of Daulton Kilpatrick is just the latest in a string of unnecessary deaths caused by negligent drivers, poorly lit streets and lack of bicycle lanes.
Hit and Run in California
In California, a hit and run accident such as the one above may result in serious charges. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a driver that strikes another person with a motor vehicle is obligated to stop, exchange information and offer assistance. Under California Vehicle Code 20001, fleeing the scene of an accident where injury or death occurred is subject to a felony charge, fines, and imprisonment. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can explain what options the surviving family members have to recover damages caused by this negligent act.
Related Articles by North Highlands Bicycle Accident Lawyer Ed Smith
North Highlands Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands bicycle accident lawyer. It is devastating for a family to lose a loved one and more so when the accident was a hit and run because the driver acted irresponsibly by leaving the scene. If this has happened to your family, please call (916) 921-6400 or my toll-free line at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
It is understandably difficult to decide what lawyer to call; however, reading reviews of legal practice can help. Mine is located at Yelp, Avvo and at Google. To look over some of our previous cases, go to Verdicts and Settlements at my website, AutoAccident.com.
My 35 years as an injury lawyer has allowed me to help many injured persons in North Highlands and the surrounding area to receive compensation for their personal injuries. This includes cases of wrongful death or traumatic injuries such as brain injuries for victims of bike accidents, motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.
My membership in Million Dollar Advocates shows that I am among the nation’s trial lawyers with a record of settlements and case verdicts of $1 million or more.
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