Bicycle Fatality: Cyclist Not To Blame
Odessa, Florida (PRWEB) January 16, 2014 -- A driver struck and killed a 16-year old on a bicycle last month in a nighttime accident that's drawn heavy criticism of cyclists. But attorney KC Williams, founder of Williams Law Association, P.A., says the cyclist was not to blame for the accident, and that bikes have a right to the road.
The accident happened shortly after sunset on a lonely country highway, according to the Tampa Bay Times (retrieved 01.13.2014). Anthony Greene, 16, was riding his bicycle home from a friend's house when a truck approached from behind him. The truck struck Greene at approximately 45 mph, killing him. The driver of the truck, 18-year old Christopher Griffith, says he saw Greene and tried to go around him but hit him by accident.
In the wake of the accident, Williams says many commentators have responded by putting responsibility for the accident on the cyclist—effectively blaming the victim.
“Mr. Greene was biking out in the driving lane, which is exactly what he was supposed to be doing,” said Williams, who frequently works with bicycle accident survivors. “Unless there's a bike lane, the law says that a bicycle should be in the traffic lane. Cars are required to yield.”
Deputies say that Greene was not wearing a bicycle helmet and had no rear lights on his bicycle. Williams agrees this is a mistake.
“There's no doubt that lights would have increased his visibility, but it remains a driver's responsibility to watch what's in front of them,” he said. “What if there was a person walking along the road, or debris in the lane? You're supposed to pay attention.”
“It's exactly the same as a tractor,” he added. “Bicycles are slow moving vehicles. You don't just swerve around them, you slow down and give them space.”
Griffith was not charged with any crime reported Tampa Bay Times (retrieved 01.13.2014).
About KC Williams:
KC Williams III is the founder and managing partner of Williams Law Association, P.A. He has spent his entire career helping individuals and businesses get fair payment from insurance companies—whether from disasters, accidents and injuries, or medical malpractice. He can be contacted at:
Williams Law Association, P.A.
1715 West Cleveland Street
Tampa, FL 33606
877-892-7782
KC Williams, Williams Law Association, P.A., http://www.tampainjurylawyer.com/, +1 (770) 481-1769, [email protected]
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