Abell's Kentucky Law Blog

Bicyclist Killed By Dump Truck Suit Settled

A lawsuit by the estate of a bicyclist killed by a dump truck has been settled the Seattle Times reports, "Family of Seattle Cyclist Killed By Dump Truck Settles Lawsuit." The bicyclist, Bryce Lewis a 19 year old Colorado man, was killed when a dump truck suddenly turned in front of him and another bicyclist, who were both riding in a marked bike lane. The accident later provoked a demonstration through the Seattle streets to promote bicyclist safety.

In Kentucky, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the streets and roads as cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Robert L. Abell
www.RobertAbellLaw.com

Bicyclist Settles Brain Injury Claim Caused By Defective Bikepath

A bicyclist in Seattle, Jeffrey Totten, suffered a severe and permanent brain injury in 2006 as a result of inadequately and defectively maintained bike path reports the Seattle Times, “King County To Pay Brain-Injured Bicyclist $3.5 Million.” According to the report, Mr. Totten was an avid bicyclist who had participated in a number of triathlons, regularly rode his bike to work and, on the day of his accident, was training for the 700 mile, 90 hour Paris-Brest-Paris bike tour. While riding on a bike path, his bike struck a hole surrounding a survey marker that had grown deeper with successive paving jobs. Notwithstanding that he was wearing a helmet, he sustained a severe and permanent brain injury.

The bike path was maintained by the county and Mr. Totten filed suit for the injuries caused him by its defective maintenance and condition. The claim was settled for a payment of $3.5 million, which will provide for the necessary care for Mr. Totten for the rest of his life.

 

Robert L. Abell

www.RobertAbellLaw.com