A cyclist tragically died in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in La Quinta Tuesday afternoon, the Desert Sun reported. The December 14th Riverside County accident occurred on Avenue 54, east of Jefferson Street, at 3:06 p.m. According to La Quinta Police, officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run collision involving a cyclist. The bicyclist, identified only as an adult male, died at the scene of the crash in the westbound bike lane.
Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a Chevrolet Malibu. A motorcycle officer was able to locate the vehicle at Avenue 52 and Monroe Street within an hour. The driver of the vehicle, Tracey Salter, 52, of Merriam, Kansas, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run about three miles away from the scene of the crash. Salter was booked into the Indio Jail with bail set at $150,000.
The La Quinta Police Department is asking anyone with additional information concerning this incident to contact the at department at (760) 863-8990 or report tips anonymously at (760) 341-STOP.
Fatal Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability
A driver found guilty of causing serious bodily injury or death in a hit and run accident is usually charged with a felony. According to California Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, "a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident." In addition to criminal charges for not stopping at the scene of the accident, the driver may also be liable for the wrongful death of the cyclist. In accidents such as this one, it would certainly be advisable for the victim's family to speak with a California bicycle accident lawyer about their legal rights and options to hold the driver financially responsible for their sudden and unexpected loss of their loved one.
Sources: Riverside Sheriff Press Release, Desert Sun, Press-Enterprise
The Riverside County Sheriff identified the victim as Joseph Patrick Szymanski.