(San Diego, California) A bicyclist was killed at San Diego’s Egger Highlands Neighborhood when a vehicle going eastbound on the No.3 lane veered onto the right and struck the bicyclist from behind at the 1500 block of Palm Avenue.
According to the San Diego Police Department, the victim was riding on a mountain bike going eastbound in the bicycle lane when the unknown vehicle struck them. The driver did not stay at the scene and fled. When paramedics arrived at the scene, they pronounced the bicyclist dead.
Investigators have not released a description of the driver or the vehicle yet.
Legal Perspective on San Diego’s Egger Highlands Neighborhood
Because the driver drove in the bicycle lane, investigators may review California Vehicle Code 21209 to which it prohibits drivers on a bicycle lane unless parking is permitted there, entering/ leaving a roadway and preparing a turn 200 feet from the intersection.
If the driver did it intentionally then that may be considered voluntary manslaughter and the driver may face serious imprisonment under California Vehicle Code 193. Depending on the nature of the incident and the investigation, the driver who has committed voluntary manslaughter can face imprisonment in the state jail for 3 to 11 years. If the driver did strike the bicyclist in an accident they may still face imprisonment at the state jail for 2-4 years.
Advice to the Bicyclist Family
If you are a loved one of the bicyclist, do not hesitate to reach out to family and friends during this difficult time. Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be emotionally draining and hard to navigate. If you want to receive additional information about the accident, you can contact the San Diego Police Department to answer any questions you may have.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
