Encino Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

A 47-year-old Encino resident lost his life recently when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while bicycling near Leucadia State Beach in San Diego County, according to a recent article in The Encino Patch.

When the bicycle accident occurred, the man was riding with two friends nearing the intersection of Jason Street and State Coast Highway 101 when he was struck by a pickup truck. The driver of the truck left the scene without stopping to help the bicyclist or to speak to police. The bicyclist, who was wearing reflective safety gear at the time, was airlifted to a hospital in La Jolla, where he died.

A few days later, the driver, a 46-year-old man from Carlsbad, turned himself in to police, stating that he may have been involved in the accident. His vehicle matched the description of the vehicle that police say hit the bicyclist, even sporting front-end damage where it collided with the bicycle and its rider. The Carlsbad man was jailed and may face criminal charges of felony hit-and-run murder in addition to a personal injury case, say police.

Although bicyclists have the legal right to share the road with cars as long as they obey traffic signals, many motorists do not use the caution required to look for and accommodate bicyclists. When a bicycle accident occurs as the result of a motorist’s negligence, they may be liable for the accident as well as related damages and losses.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in San Fernando Valley, please don’t hesitate to call the experienced Encino bike accident attorneys at The Mandell Law Firm. We can help you understand the legal options available to you in order for you to receive the compensation you need from a negligent motorist. Contact us today at 818-886-6600.