ngateguy
09-06-02, 10:45 AM
Finally something good comes out of the courts
http://www.msnbc.com/local/pisea/85839.asp
http://www.msnbc.com/local/pisea/85839.asp
Advocacy & Safety - Family wins lawsuit
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MisterJ
09-06-02, 01:33 PM
As a small point, I hope that part of the article was incorrect. It noted that the victim was pedalling in a "marked crosswalk". I am assuming that this was a bikeway of some sort and not a pedestrian crosswalk.
Chris L
09-06-02, 02:26 PM
Originally posted by MisterJ
As a small point, I hope that part of the article was incorrect. It noted that the victim was pedalling in a "marked crosswalk". I am assuming that this was a bikeway of some sort and not a pedestrian crosswalk.
Shows why bikepaths are so dangerous. You're far less likely to be hit if you're going the same direction as the traffic.
That said, anything that might make drivers actually watch what they're doing is fine by me.
As a small point, I hope that part of the article was incorrect. It noted that the victim was pedalling in a "marked crosswalk". I am assuming that this was a bikeway of some sort and not a pedestrian crosswalk.
Shows why bikepaths are so dangerous. You're far less likely to be hit if you're going the same direction as the traffic.
That said, anything that might make drivers actually watch what they're doing is fine by me.
morsen
09-06-02, 04:03 PM
It is legal to ride in crosswalks as well as on the sidewalks in Seattle.
RCW 46.61.261
Sidewalks, crosswalks -- Pedestrians, bicycles. The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian or bicycle on a sidewalk. The rider of a bicycle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian on a sidewalk or crosswalk. [2000 c 85 § 2; 1975 c 62 § 41.]
RCW 46.61.755
Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. (1) Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in RCW 46.61.750 through 46.61.780 and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application. (2) Every person riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk or crosswalk must be granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to a pedestrian by this chapter. [2000 c 85 § 3; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 80.]
http://www.vitiate.net/criticalmass/laws.htm
RCW 46.61.261
Sidewalks, crosswalks -- Pedestrians, bicycles. The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian or bicycle on a sidewalk. The rider of a bicycle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian on a sidewalk or crosswalk. [2000 c 85 § 2; 1975 c 62 § 41.]
RCW 46.61.755
Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. (1) Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in RCW 46.61.750 through 46.61.780 and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application. (2) Every person riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk or crosswalk must be granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to a pedestrian by this chapter. [2000 c 85 § 3; 1965 ex.s. c 155 § 80.]
http://www.vitiate.net/criticalmass/laws.htm
Pete Clark
09-06-02, 09:17 PM
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle is responsible for preventing that vehicle from causing harm or death to innocent people, whether pedestrians, cyclists, or anyone else, whether they drive a car or not.
It's time we motorists take responsibility for our actions.
YOU are behind the wheel. YOU have the power to save lives.
A cyclist or pedestrian has NO DEFENSE against a bumper.
It's time we motorists take responsibility for our actions.
YOU are behind the wheel. YOU have the power to save lives.
A cyclist or pedestrian has NO DEFENSE against a bumper.
John E
09-08-02, 06:24 PM
Originally posted by Pete Clark
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle is responsible for preventing that vehicle from causing harm or death to innocent people ...
Driving instructors need to publicize that this is indeed the Prime Directive of motoring.
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle is responsible for preventing that vehicle from causing harm or death to innocent people ...
Driving instructors need to publicize that this is indeed the Prime Directive of motoring.
Dutchy
09-08-02, 11:11 PM
As tragic as accidents like this are, I don't see the point in the family pursuing the company for damages. It isn't like the driver will pay for it out of his own pocket, the company probably has public liability insurance so they will just make a claim.
If the company decides to appeal endlessly the family will run out of money before they see 1 cent.
Even if the family win (eventually), it is a reflection on how litigious society has become. Imagine if every relative sued for wrongful death in car accidents, the insurance companies would just inflate their prices on ALL policies to cover the claims (they obviously do this already).
Even if you don't drive, house insurance etc. all goes up.
If the cyclist was married with/without children then a suit would help out his dependants, but his remaining family were not dependant (financially) on him.
At the end of the day, the driver still hasn't been punished effectively.
CHEERS.
Mark
If the company decides to appeal endlessly the family will run out of money before they see 1 cent.
Even if the family win (eventually), it is a reflection on how litigious society has become. Imagine if every relative sued for wrongful death in car accidents, the insurance companies would just inflate their prices on ALL policies to cover the claims (they obviously do this already).
Even if you don't drive, house insurance etc. all goes up.
If the cyclist was married with/without children then a suit would help out his dependants, but his remaining family were not dependant (financially) on him.
At the end of the day, the driver still hasn't been punished effectively.
CHEERS.
Mark