Death of Avid Cycling Enthusiast Has Family and Riding Community in Mourning
On Wednesday, a bicycle accident occurred, resulting in the death of the bike owner and a mystery surrounding it. Let’s explore the details of the incident with Ehline Law and our bicycle personal injury lawyers.
Cyclist Dies from Serious Traumatic Brain Injury Following an Accident
On August 31, 2022, 72-year-old Jim Lackey went on a morning ride when he got involved in an incident in northeast Bakersfield, resulting in traumatic brain injuries.
Since he was alone at the time of the bike accident, the details of how the crash happened are unclear.
Everyone Baffled at the Death of Their Loved One
The bike accident left the family unsettled as the 72-year-old husband, father, and grandfather already went through a lot in his life.
He survived radiation therapy after doctors gave him less than a 30% chance of surviving throat cancer, and although Jim had to consume food and nutrition through a tube, he emerged victorious in beating cancer.
Jim was on the ventilator fighting for his life for more than 50 days in 2012 but survived to tell the tale, and in 2021, Jim recorded 10,000 miles on his bike with plans to break his record.
What could’ve caused this iron man to suffer a traumatic brain injury and succumb to it?
Jim May Have Hit a Road Sign; Steve Believes
Jim’s family continued in their efforts to know more about the accident. His younger brother, Steve Lackey, believed that Jim hit a road sign and knocked his helmet off before hitting the ground on his head, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
App Reveals Jim Was Traveling at a Low-Speed
Other family members remain skeptical, especially after knowing that Jim was traveling 13 miles per hour (according to his bicycling app), a low speed to avoid any signs and obstacles.
Injuries Are Not Consistent with a Fall Accident; Doctor Concludes
After assessing Jim’s injury, an emergency room doctor concluded that his injuries were not consistent with that of a fall.
Steve kept on going to the accident scene to find details about the accident or any videos witnesses would’ve recorded. So far, no information has yet surfaced, and Jim’s family awaits someone to shed light on the situation.
Cycling Community Mourns the Death of an Avid Cyclist
The accident devastated his wife, children, and the entire Bakersfield bicycling group as they mourned his death on Thursday.
His family reported that Jim liked bikes and enjoyed biking on the open road as it made him feel alive. Jim’s rides would be around 30 to 60 miles, on the road, in town, and on the coast.
There could be a possibility that a motorist hit Jim, sending him flying off his bike. The impact from the collision could’ve killed Jim.
Proving Elements of Negligence – Who Is Liable in an Accident?
In the incident, “death of avid cycling enthusiast has family and riding community in mourning,” there seems to be no information about the cause of the accident until further investigations are conducted.
The accident could’ve occurred due to a slippery road causing Jim to swerve and crash. It could be a hit-and-run accident where another driver hit Jim before fleeing. Several possibilities could occur, but without proper investigation, it is difficult to say who is liable.
Jim’s family should consider retaining the services of a reputable personal injury law firm. Ehline Law has access to resources to investigate and gather evidence.
Once we investigate an accident and determine the at-fault party, we file a suit against them to recover compensation.
However, for a successful lawsuit, our attorney has to prove the elements of personal injury, which includes:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff
- Breach of duty of care: The defendant breached their duty of care
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered injuries and damages
- Causation: The damages resulted from the defendant’s negligence
If you suffered injuries in an accident that was not your fault, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation on your case.
