According to authorities, this fatal New York bicycle accident occurred on September 11, 2010 on Atlantic Avenue in the Prospect Heights neighborhood.  Jasmine Herron was riding down the road on a bicycle when the defendant, Krystal Francis, swung open the door to a vehicle.  The sudden opening forced Herron out into the road, where the bicylcist was subsequently hit, run over and killed in a gruesome scene.  Francis briefly left the scene but returned and spoke to police, and as it turns out her driver's license was suspended at the time.

New York Bicycle Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we hope that the family of the bicyclist who was killed has been able to come to grips with this tragedy and begin the difficult healing process.  We also hope that this forthcoming criminal prosecution will help them move towards some sort of closure.  In addition, this New York bicycle accident has now become part of the overall statistics regarding these occurrences on a statewide basis.  Every year, more than 5,500 such accidents occur, leading to nearly as many injuries and to nearly one fatality every week.

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers

The criminal defense attorney for the motorist has stated that this is more of a civil court matter.  Regardless of what occurs with the prosecution and whether this person is tried and convicted, we agree that a civil action could also be appropriate.  It's possible for the family of the bicyclist who was killed to file a New York wrongful death lawsuit against the person in the vehicle.  If such a lawsuit is filed and is successful, it could lead to an award of damages that compensates the family for their medical, funeral and burial costs as well as their lost income and loss of companionship.

If you have lost someone you love to a negligent driver, you need to seek the help of New York wrongful death lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of grieving families for 40 years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.