Driver charged with drunk driving after running into bicyclists

Bicycle accidents are never a good thing, but when an accident occurs between a bike and a car it can be even worse. Add alcohol to the mix and things often turn fatal. Many drivers in New York are cautious of bikes on the road, however, sometimes people act negligently or carelessly and don’t give bicycles the proper respect.

A man is being held on bail after authorities charged him with manslaughter in the death of a 52-year-old bicyclist. The accident occurred when the man allegedly veered out of his lane and onto the sidewalk where the cyclist was riding his bike. He has carrying his 15-month-old son in a Bike seat. The boy’s mother was also riding her bike and was hit by the truck as well.

According to court papers, the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated at the time of the incident. He claims that he had passed out after a having a coughing attack. According to statements from witnesses, the driver never attempted to stop or do anything to avoid the crash. Another witness stated that the driver appeared to be asleep.

If the driver of the truck is found guilty of manslaughter and driving while intoxicated the court could rule that he is liable for the death of the cyclist. He may therefore be ordered to pay restitution to the man’s family. This may be a good time for his family to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the intricacies of car-bicycle crashes.

Source: WCSH, “David P. LaBonte, driver in fatal Biddeford bicycle crash, charged with manslaughter, aggravated OUI,” Ken Christian, August 9, 2013