VISALIA, CA — KFSN reports on a devastating incident on Saturday, January 22, 2024, in which a 17-year-old girl was killed when struck by a car while riding her bicycle on Riggin Avenue near Shirk Street around 8:50 PM.
Authorities responding to emergency calls discovered the young cyclist was in the eastbound lane of Riggin Avenue. Despite being promptly transported to Kaweah Health for treatment, she succumbed to her injuries there.
The driver involved in the incident stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Preliminary findings from the police indicate that drugs and alcohol are not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims in Bicycle Accidents
Motorists are expected to afford an extra duty of care to bicyclists and pedestrians because of their greater vulnerability. When involved in car collisions, their lack of protection makes their injuries more likely to be fatal.
Families dealing with a loss like this may be able to file a wrongful death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. The compensation provided by a wrongful death claim can help support grieving families with funds to relieve such burdens as hospital fees and burial costs.
Insurance companies are incentivized to minimize the payout on any claim they cannot deny. That is why the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can prove crucial in ensuring justice for victims and their families.
