A crash on the highway has left one bicyclist dead after being struck by a vehicle. The driver, that was reportedly responsible for the crash, was believed to be under the influence at the time of the car accident. The driver has been released since being taken into custody and it is unknown if future charges will be filed against the driver in Colorado in this case.
The accident reportedly took place when two people were riding their bikes on the highway. While they were riding in the shoulder lane, a male driver of a Chevy SUV veered off the road and onto the shoulder. The driver crashed into both bicyclists. One bicyclist was able to survive the incident and was not injured. The 25-year-old male bicyclist succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead after being flown into the hospital.
One of the lanes was closed down for almost two hours. Authorities believed the driver of the Chevy to be under the influence and took him into custody. No formal charges were filed against the driver and he was released.
Depending on the outcome of this investigation into the car accident, the driver of the Chevy may be held liable in a civil Colorado courtroom. The surviving relatives of the deceased bicyclist retain the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the Chevy. If evidence proves the other driver negligently caused or contributed to the accident and resulting fatality, the court may award the family damages to reimburse them for funeral expenses and the other financial ramifications of the tragedy.
Source: krextv.com, Suspected Drunk Driver Hits, Kills Bicyclist Along Highway 50, Taylor Kanost, Sept. 18, 2013