People ride bicycles for many reasons, including recreation, exercise and basic transportation. They can be a fun, environmentally friendly way to get around, but they also carry a certain amount of risk for riders, as they do not offer the same level of protection as a car. A bicycle accident involving a car is more likely to cause serious injury or even death than a crash between two similar vehicles. Depending on the circumstances, it could result in criminal charges for the driver or any involved parties, as is the case for one Georgia state representative.
The incident happened in 2019, but the representative recently faced charges of reckless conduct for what authorities say was his role in a fatal hit-and-run involving a bicycle. According to officials, a driver hit and killed a man riding his bicycle. Instead of calling for help, police allege that the driver left the scene and called the representative. He reportedly did not call 911 either, but instead reached out to a local police chief, who also allegedly failed to notify first responders.
Officials say that, as a result, the man on the bicycle did not receive any medical attention for more than an hour and ended up dying as a result of his injuries. The driver faces charges of hit-and-run, and the police arrested both men, though they since released the representative on bond. His spokespeople say he intends to continue serving in the legislature, and they will work to prove his innocence.
A bicycle accident can change a person’s life forever, requiring significant medical treatment even if the victim manages to survive. One possibility for covering these types of costs may be filing a personal injury or wrongful death civil claim, which could result in the payment of damages that may help a Georgia family deal with the aftermath of such a devastating incident. Those responsible should be accountable for their action or inaction.