The family of a man who was killed in a November 2012 accident in which he was on his bicycle when he was struck by a car recently gave their victim impact statements at the defendant’s hearing.The man who struck the 35-year-old male bicyclist pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing death. His sentencing is set for Jan. 12.
The widow of the victim said that she is ready for the criminal proceedings to end. She said that it will bring a little closure when this is all said and done. His widow’s horror begain when the man was struck by a minivan at around 6:43 on the fateful morning. After being struck by the minivan, the man was thrown into the path of another vehicle.
The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene, but the first driver fled the scene of thefatal accident. He went home, parked his minivan in the garage, and went on about his day. He even reported to work as if nothing had happened that morning.
The widow of the victim noted that her two young children lost a parent. She said that she is having trouble with mobility because she is “terrified of motorists.”
Even the victim’s father, who was an avid cyclist, has cut back on how much he commutes using his bicycle. He said his wife has panic attacks when she thinks of cycling.
This family’s story shows just how far-reaching the effects of a bicyclist-vehicle accident can be. More than three years after the fatal accident, this family is still dealing with the emotional after effects of the accident.
If you lost a loved one in a similar accident, you might opt to explore seeking compensation for your loved one’s death.
Source: The Star, “Parents, widow describe anguish over death of cyclist Tom Samson,” Jacques Gallant, Dec. 21, 2015
