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This morning, a 5 and 1 year old, were injured when the bike trailer they were riding in was hit by a car. They were being pulled by their father on the sidewalk when a car exiting a parking lot hit them. The police are still investigating what happened. It is thought that the driver may have been watching traffic in the opposite direction. The children were taken to St Cloud Hospital and it is hoped that they heal quickly.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It’s important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:

• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.

Drivers:

• Give cyclists the entire lane if there’s not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.

Cyclists:

• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there’s a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

If you are in an bicycle accident, make sure to get the names of anyone who indicates they saw what happened. If you witness an accident, check to see if everyone is OK and stay around or at least give the drivers your contact information. If you are injured, seek the advice of an attorney who does that kind of work and who can explain your coverages and rights.

For the children, they will be covered for no fault benefits as resident relatives who has coverage in their home or if there is no coverage, by the No Fault from the car they were hit by. If there is no coverage on the car, the bills would then go to the assign claims bureau for coverage.

Beyond No Fault , the question of liability concerning the cars actions ill need to determined. Early investigation may be necessary to make these determinations.

One Comment

  1. Gravatar for Daniel 8791
    Daniel 8791

    Purely speculative here...But I think the driver of the vehicle may have thought the coast was clear after the bike, and didn't anticipate the little cart being pulled behind it. No matter how it actually happened, the auto driver was too close to the bicycle to begin with. I just hope now that those two little ones are going to be ok.

Comments for this article are closed.