Kentucky Auto Accident Lawyer: New Bill Proposes Vehicular Assault Charge Against Drivers Responsible for Injuring or Killing Bicyclists or Pedestrians in Traffic Accidents
A proposed bill up for consideration in front of the Kentucky Legislature this year provides additional protections for local pedestrians and bicyclists. Sponsored by Representative Jim Wayne, the bill imposes additional charges on drivers responsible for causing Kentucky bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
According to Representative Wayne, current Kentucky statute favors motorists, which makes it very hard police to press criminal charges when a bicyclist or pedestrian is injured or killed in a traffic crash. Police officers cannot issue a traffic violation when someone hits a bicyclist unless hit and run or drunk driving was a factor.
The bill was spurred by a number of high profile Louisville bicycle deaths, including the July 2007 death of George Cronen Jr. The bicyclist was hit by a van on the Clark Memorial Bridge. Bicycling for Louisville Executive Director Barry Zalph says that in Louisville alone, about 2-3 bicyclists and 20 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle crashes every year. 30% of Kentucky bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities occur in Louisville.
Common Causes of Kentucky Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents:
• Driver negligence
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Product defects
• Pedestrian or bicyclist negligence
The new bill proposes adding the charge of vehicular assault, which would allow Kentucky police officers to file charges against a driver for reckless or negligent driving regardless of whether/not the cop actually witnessed the auto accident. Vehicular assault charges could also be filed against negligent bicyclists.
Kentucky Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Claims and Lawsuits
In addition to criminal charges filed against a motorist for injuring or killing a Kentucky pedestrian or pedalcyclist, the injury victim or his or her family can also pursue personal injury or wrongful death compensation from the liable party.
Bill proposed to protect cyclists and pedestrians, WAVE 3, January 4, 2008
Bicyclists want tougher law, Courier-Journal.com, December 11, 2008
Related Web Resources:
How Not to Get Hit By Cars, BicycleSafe.com
Louisville Pedestrian Accident Attorney Steve Frederick represents clients injured in Kentucky pedestrian and bicycle crashes throughout the state.
Bookmark: 
