While Pittsburgh area residents likely hear about fatal motor vehicle accidents on the news, a regular basis, in most cases these incidents probably occur to people who are unknown. Because it is not an issue that most deal with each day, those left behind who are responsible for settling accounts and distributing assets of the person who has died may not know how to best proceed in bring closure to the tragic event.

This is sadly being faced by the family of a McKeesport bicyclist. He was seriously hurt when he apparently ran into a car passing through an intersection. Among other injuries the man suffered skull and face fractures when he and his bicycle struck the side of the vehicle. Sadly, those injuries were too severe and the 55-year-old man died. It is unclear whether the man was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

It is also not clear what caused the bicycle and car to collide. An investigation into the fatal accident will likely reveal that answer and whether criminal charges will be forthcoming. Authorities are working to rule out the contribution of alcohol to the crash. Whether that will be the fact remains to be seen.

Bicycles provide Pittsburgh area residents a healthy and relatively inexpensive way to get around the city. When all on the road—including all types of motor vehicles as well as bicycles—follow the rules of the road, the likelihood of a serious accident such as this one occurring is greatly reduced. Most would agree that limited the number of these types of accident that occur is a good thing for all concerned.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Pittsburgh police say McKeesport bicyclist may have hit side of car in fatal Carrick crash,” Molly Born, June 25, 2013