Personal Injury Law

Bicyclist Strikes and Severely Injures Child in Seattle Crosswalk

By Kirk Bernard, Esq.

A 32-year-old bicyclist caused serious personal injuries to a 6-year-old boy near Pike Place Market in Seattle after he struck the child, who was walking in a crosswalk with his father and brother. According to a news report in the Seattle Times, the bicyclist was riding recklessly as he passed several cars, rode through a red light and hit the little boy, who was in a crosswalk. He tried to get back on his bike and ride away, but witnesses stopped him and held him until police arrived on scene. The child was taken to a Seattle hospital with a fractured jaw. According to the news report, the boy's jaw had to be wired shut. Authorities say the bicyclist will be charged with vehicular assault and hit-and-run.

Tragic accidents such as this one occur everyday in Seattle. In this particular case, the child sustained serious injuries as a result of another individual's negligence and blatant disregard for public safety. Asked by officials why he blew through the red light, the bicyclist told them that he thought he "could make it." Negligent bicyclists and drivers should be held accountable for their actions, because those actions cause a lot of pain, emotional distress and financial strain to victims and their families. In this particular case, this little boy suffered serious facial injuries.

Full post as published by Seattle Injury Blog on November 27, 2009 (boomark / email).