A Washington bicyclist was critically injured in an accident when he was hit by a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old woman police say was impaired. According to a Puyallup police representative, the bicyclist had the right of way at the intersection where the accident occurred.
Police said the driver appeared impaired after the crash and allegedly told officers she had used marijuana that day. She said she was taking a new antidepressant that she believed affected her ability to drive. Police administered a field sobriety test and determined the driver was impaired. She was taken into custody and arraigned on Nov. 26 in superior court where she was charged with vehicular assault, and bail was set at $250,000. Two passengers in the vehicle were released from custody.
The 66-year-old bicyclist was hit where SW Fourth Street intersects SW Ninth Avenue near the fairgrounds. According to arrest records, the woman was heading south when she failed to stop at a traffic sign and continued through the intersection, hitting the former church pastor. The woman continued on, pushing the bicycle and its rider into the side of a building. Witnesses said two passengers in the vehicle pulled the driver outside of the car but did not approach the injured cyclist.
The bicyclist was said to be in critical condition at Tacoma hospital at the time of early reports. No further word as to his recovery was available at this time.
Drivers who ignore traffic rules and drive while impaired may cause auto injuries to others sharing the road. The victim may face medical expenses and lost wages as a result. After reviewing accident details, an attorney may assist them in filing a personal injury suit to recover compensatory damages.
Source: The News Tribune, “Puyallup cyclist hit by car Monday well known in community for civic involvement, community service,” Brynn Grimley, Nov. 26, 2014
Source: KIRO, “Woman accused of vehicular assault after crash into 66-year-old cyclist“, Gary Horcher , November 25, 2014