Under the current circumstances facing the residents of Minnesota and the rest of the country, staying healthy is a priority for many people. Riding a bicycle is a way to get in some exercise, fresh air and sunshine, all of which can help maintain good health. However, it also presents risks that could result in serious injuries or death.
Two families recently found this out the hard way when an accident took the life of one 14-year-old boy and hospitalized another. Preliminary reports indicate first responders received notification of a crash just prior to 10 p.m. on a recent Tuesday night. Upon arrival at the scene on County Road 9, they found an SUV and three bicycles had been involved in a crash.
Resuscitation efforts on one boy could not save his life. The second boy was taken to an area hospital by helicopter with undisclosed injuries. The third bicycle rider was fortunate enough to escape physical injury, but witnessed the crash and its aftermath, which can take a psychological toll on anyone. At last report, police had not yet indicated whether the SUV driver will face any charges in connection with the incident.
This accident is a tragic example of how riding a bicycle can go from being a fun and healthy activity to a hazardous or deadly one. Motor vehicle drivers owe a duty to everyone else on the road to pay attention and react appropriately to the traffic around them. When that does not happen, innocent victims can suffer serious or deadly injuries. As would be the case for any Minnesota family in this situation, the families of the deceased and injured victims may exercise the right to file wrongful death or personal injury claims, as applicable.