Authorities have identified a bicyclist who was killed in a San Diego car accident as 63-year-old Walter Freeman. The fatal bicycle accident occurred at a busy San Diego intersection the morning of November 9, 2009, according to a 10news report. Freeman was entering the roadway from a gas station in the 3800 block of Governor Drive. He was crossing the southbound side when the police car struck him. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Walter Freeman. My heart goes out to everyone who is grieving his loss. His loved ones will be in my prayers.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

Four deaths and 392 injuries were reported in the city of San Diego involving bicycle accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, bicycle accidents claimed 50 lives and caused 985 injuries in 2007. Also during the same period, 268 people died and 14,641 were injured as a result of car accidents in San Diego County.

In such cases, there are usually more questions than answers at the outset. This particular bicycle accident case is no exception. Car accidents, especially those involving police officers, are extremely sensitive. In this case, I hope a third party, such as the CHP, has been called in to investigate. I'm skeptical any time a law enforcement agency investigates its own officers.

Accident Investigations are Critical

The article states that the officer was responding to a non-emergency traffic accident call at the time. His lights and sirens were off and he wasn't speeding, officials say. It's very important to see who was negligent here – the officer or the bicyclist. A bicyclist, according to California law, follows the same rules as the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway. However, if it is determined the police officer drove negligently or recklessly or if he failed to turn on his lights and sirens when he should have, he and his employer, the police department, could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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