Cyclist Killed in Early Morning Accident on Howe Avenue in Sacramento
A 23-year-old Sacramento man tragically died early Sunday morning after he was struck by an SUV while riding his bicycle on Howe Avenue. The accident happened on the Highway 50 overpass at around 3:40 a.m. Sunday, April 18th. According to reports by News 10, the driver of the SUV told authorities she didn't see the victim, who has been identified by the Sacramento County Coroner as Todd Christopher Mendon. The driver reportedly pulled over thinking that she had possibly struck something in the road.
Officers who arrived at the scene moments after the crash performed CPR but were unsuccessful. Mendon, who had been riding north on Howe, died at the scene of the crash. The cause of the accident is ongoing, and authorities do not believe that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. It is not clear whether the cyclist was wearing a helmet or any reflective gear in this early morning accident.
Fault and Liability Issues
Based on the news reports, authorities have not determined if the driver of the SUV was at fault for this accident. Simply because she did not see the cyclist does not mean she was not or could not be found at fault. If it is determined that she was driving her vehicle in the bike lane, or speeding, or for any other reason should have seen the cyclist, she may be found responsible. Hopefully the investigation by law enforcement will reveal exactly how this tragedy occurred.
If the driver is found at least partially at fault, the family of the young man on the bicycle may be entitled to compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim against the driver. While this accident is still under investigation, the family of the victim may benefit from speaking to a California bicycle accident lawyer who is experienced in handling wrongful death claims involving fatal bike accidents, especially accidents like this one that occur at night, when visibility is greatly reduced.
Continue reading "Cyclist Killed in Early Morning Accident on Howe Avenue in Sacramento " »
