North Carolina Highway Patrol troopers arrested an Angier woman after she mowed down four bicyclists earlier this month in Johnston County. She was charged with improper passing in a curve, multiple counts of improper passing causing serious bodily injury and reckless driving. Her bond was $2,000.
The accident occurred over the weekend on Massengill Pond Road. Four cyclists, ranging in age from 34 to 60, were wearing reflective clothes and riding single file near Sue Drive. The 50-year-old driver approached from behind, heading north, and attempted to pass the bikers in a curve.
However, she then saw another vehicle approaching and swerved back, striking the riders. Their injuries include head trauma, bruises, scrapes and a broken leg. Two remained in the hospital at least five days after the crash.Drivers must yield to bicyclists, as the weight and size of a vehicle bearing down on a mere bike and human flesh usually results in carnage for those on two wheels. Failing to do so and driving in a manner that endangers cyclists' lives not only can result in criminal charges, but may eventually land a driver in hot water in the North Carolina civil courts as well.
Even in cases where there are no criminal charges filed after an at-fault accident, injured parties still have the option of pursuing civil justice for the injuries and damages they suffer in a collision. Plaintiffs can sue not only for their medical expenses, but for time lost from work, pain, suffering and other damages. In certain cases, spouses may also have the right to sue for loss of consortium.
Source: WTVD, "Woman Who Hit 4 Cyclists Near Angier Charged," Feb. 25, 2016
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