Chicago pedestrian accident results in death of cyclist

On behalf of Strom & Associates, Ltd. posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Monday, August 25, 2014.

An accident that occurred Aug. 17, 2014, in Chicago has left one person dead. The 12:45 a.m. accident happened on 55th Street in the vicinity of the Midway Airport. According to a police spokeswoman, a 44-year-old Park Forest man was riding his bike eastbound near Central Avenue when a 2011 Chevy Impala being driven by a 37-year-old Chicago woman struck him. The cyclist was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center but later died.

Police were investigating the accident but had not identified an exact cause at the time of the report. There was no mention of alcohol or drugs. Police cited the woman for not reducing her speed in order to avoid an accident.
It is possible that other charges could follow. The woman may have been distracted at the time of the accident and possibly did not notice the man riding his bike near her.

Cyclists are often exposed to the dangers of automobile traffic even though their vehicles lack some of the safety features afforded to occupants of cars and trucks, such as airbags and seat belts. Drivers of motor vehicles have a duty to watch out for cyclists traveling close by.

When a bicycle accident results in death, the victim's family may be left with final expenses at the same time they are suffering a loss of companionship. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible for a victim's death to result in a loss of financial support. Anyone who has lost a loved one in a bicycle accident or other type of fatal pedestrian accident may want to contact an attorney who has experience in filing wrongful death lawsuits to see if would be possible to file a claim and seek compensation.

Source: DNAinfo Chicago, "Cyclist Fatally Struck by Car in Garfield Ridge", Mina Bloom, August 17, 2014