Bicyclist Fatally Struck by Garbage Truck in Tragic Miami Accident
According to NBC Miami, a devastating incident unfolded on Wednesday morning May 31, 2023, as a bicyclist was tragically struck and killed by a garbage truck, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Miami Police. The accident occurred in the 800 block of Flagler Street near 8 Avenue in Miami, FL.
Authorities swiftly responded to the scene after receiving reports of the collision involving the bicyclist. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bicyclist had succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
As of now, law enforcement officials have not released any specific details pertaining to the circumstances surrounding the crash. The exact cause of the accident and the sequence of events leading up to the collision remain a mystery. Investigators are meticulously piecing together the evidence to determine the factors that contributed to this tragic incident.
Attorney Michael Haggard is an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Florida. He frequently represents injured bicyclists or their surviving family members seek justice through civil lawsuits. He recently discussed how these victims can seek compensation for the damages caused during a bicycle accident.
"Bicycle accident deaths are tragic events that often result in devastating consequences for the victim's family. When these accidents involve garbage trucks or other work vehicles, questions arise regarding the legal responsibility of the driver and the company to ensure the safety of all road users.
Garbage truck drivers and their employing companies are responsible for all road users, including bicyclists. They are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and adhering to traffic laws. This duty encompasses taking reasonable measures to prevent accidents and protect vulnerable individuals, such as bicyclists, from harm. To fulfill their duty, garbage truck drivers should exercise caution while maneuvering their large vehicles in congested areas. They should be vigilant in checking blind spots, using mirrors effectively, and signaling their intentions to other road users. Additionally, garbage truck companies must ensure that their drivers receive appropriate training, adhere to safety protocols, and properly maintain their vehicles to minimize the risk of accidents.
When a bicyclist is fatally killed in a collision with a garbage truck, surviving family members may have legal rights and options available to seek compensation for their loss. Family members can file a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one. To establish a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff must generally prove that the garbage truck driver or company was negligent or acted recklessly and this negligence or recklessness directly caused the bicyclist's death. They may also pursue a negligence claim against the garbage truck driver or company. Negligence claims require proving that the defendant breached their duty of care and this breach caused the accident and subsequent death. Negligent actions could include distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, or any other violation of traffic laws.
Bicycle accident deaths involving garbage trucks are tragic, and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions is essential. Surviving family members of fatally killed bicyclists have legal rights and can fully explore these by consulting with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer."