Driver Strikes and Kills Cyclist in Front Of High School in Woodridge

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

[ubermenu-map address=”Woodridge, IL” zoom=”14″ width=”375px” height=”375px”]

According to Prince William County Police, a 66-year-old cyclist was riding down a sidewalk outside of Hylton High School when a 17-year-old driver jumped the curb and struck him. The young driver eventually struck a light pole, dragging the cyclist over 150 feet. The 66-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are currently investigating whether alcohol, drugs or distracted driving was a factor in the crash. Officials say that they are looking up the 17-year-old’s cell phone records and focusing on her speed at the time of the crash. The speed limit on Spriggs Road is 45 miles per hour, except for the section right outside Hylton High School, where it is reduced to 25 miles per hour.

The Dangerous and Often Fatal Consequences of Bicycle Accidents

This tragic accident is an example of how fatal and life-changing a bicycle accident can be. Serious bicycle accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, which often require costly medical treatment and lengthy rehabilitation.

Preventing Bicycle Accidents

Preventing a bicycle accident is often very simple for the driver of the vehicle. To safely share the road with cyclists, drivers should:

  • Check for cyclists before opening a car door
  • Watch for cyclists and yield to them when appropriate
  • Maintain a safe distance when passing a cyclist
  • Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Injured in a Bicycle Accident Due to a Driver’s Negligence? Contact our Attorneys Today

If a driver’s recklessness caused your bicycle accident, contact our experienced injury attorneys today at (202) 659-5500 for a free consultation. Our firm has a proven track record representing victims of traffic accidents, and we will fight to ensure you receive the fair and just compensation you deserve.

[Did You Know: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of traffic accidents in 2009 resulting in cyclist fatalities involved alcohol use by either the driver or the cyclist.]

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.