The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that 48-year old Jerry Simpson was killed by a motorist as he rode his bicycle on Lawler Avenue across Chicago Avenue in the City's Austin neighborhood. A 26-year old driver was ticketed for the incident. The driver was cited for negligent driving and failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision. The Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating.
The criminal charges here are somewhat routine and what are often seen in regular "fender bender" car collisions. The difference here is obviously that a bicyclist was killed. The Cook County State's Attorney could look into filing additional and enhanced charges if the facts warrant it.
As a civil matter the family of Jerry Simpson could consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. A person who negligently causes the death of another may be liable to the deceased person's family for their loss.
If you have any questions regarding this post of the legal issues involved, please contact Mike Keating at MKeating@KeatingLegal.com or 312-208-7702.
Keating Law Offices are the premiere personal injury lawyers representing bicyclists injured in an accident in Illinois. The firm offers free consultations and there are no fees unless we win for you. Our attorneys have a long history of success representing clients injured in bike accidents in Chicago, the suburbs and throughout Illinois. The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers are committed to advocating for the rights of bicyclists and fighting for bicyclists injured in bike accidents.
