A Recology garbage truck struck and killed a bicyclist Thursday in San Francisco’s Mission District.

The crash happened near 16th Street and South Van Ness Avenue about 6:45 a.m. A witness said the truck, which was parallel to the male bicyclist on eastbound 16th, tried to make a right turn onto southbound South Van Ness and collided with the rider.

The garbage-truck driver continued a short distance on South Van Ness, said a witness, 29-year-old Jorge Marque of San Bruno, but stopped after people on the street alerted him to what had happened.

The bicyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene. His bike was dragged for one block, finally coming loose at 17th Street and South Van Ness.

The truck driver was cooperating with investigators. According to the San Francisco Police Department drugs or alcohol were not suspected factors in the crash.

The names of the victim and driver have not been released.  Recology, declined to comment on the accident or on the driver’s record.

Cause of the San Francisco accident

If news accounts are accurate, the driver of the garbage truck is likely  responsible for causing this accident. However, the accident is still under investigation by the San Francisco Police Department and an official determination of the cause of the  crash has not been made.

Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The SFPD will surely look at speed and other factors to determine why this accident occurred, and whether the driver of the garbage truck could have done anything to avoid the collision. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim who was fatally injured in this collision would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of car vs. bicycle accidents can review the SFPD report and determine who is responsible for this collision. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to be responsible, he may be liable for the young victim’s medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Bicycles have as much right to be on the road as other vehicles.  When automobile drivers violate the rights of a bicyclist, serious injuries and death can occur.

When you suffer serious/traumatic injuries or a loved one’s death, you are entitled to compensation (medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, future wages and pain and suffering).  The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler will aggressively represent you and fight for your rights against the insurance companies for the monetary damages you deserve.

The laws regarding pedestrian and bicycle accident cases are complex and include many facets of the law.  It is vital to surviving family members to seek the advice of an experienced pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer such as Gary A Kessler at the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler to protect your rights and those of your loved ones.

The Western United States pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney Gary A Kessler and the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler are compassionate and fully understand that you are attempting to cope with extreme serious injuries associated with a pedestrian/bicycle accident. Such accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.  The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler carefully selects its wrongful death and pedestrian/bicycle accident cases so that we may give you (the client) the substantial personal attention necessary to obtain a successful result for your case.

The Law Offices of Gary A Kessler is prepared to front all costs required for a thorough investigation and top expert witnesses to prepare for trial of your case.  As in all pedestrian and bicycle accidents and serious personal injury cases, we advance all legal costs to prepare and present our client’s claim, and receive for our services only a percentage of what we recover for our attorney fees on their behalf.  Upon settlement our costs shall be reimbursed to us from the gross recovery.  If there is no recovery, no attorneys fees or costs are owed to our firm. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A Kessler today.