A cyclist was killed Thursday night in an apparent hit-and-run accident. Officers were called to the scene around 6:30 pm where the downed cyclist was in critical condition. 25-year-old Mark Neiafu was transported to the hospital and there pronounced dead. Witnesses describe that a newer-model whit van may have been involved in the accident or that its driver may know more concerning the incident. The accident occurred at the intersection of California Avenue and Fortune Road in Salt Lake City. Fox 13 reports that the cyclist was 25 years old and lived in a halfway house nearby.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of this man. A life cut short by another, and then to have that person leave the scene of the accident, is unjust and shameful.

This accident accentuates a trend that has been growing in the United States: since 2003, hit-and-run accidents have continually been on the rise. Though pedestrians are most often the victims in such accidents, a cyclist is just as vulnerable when met by the force of a vehicle. Just last year, Utah news anchor Kerri Cronk was hit while cycling, only to have the culprit leave the scene of the accident. Such actions are blatantly criminal, and certainly unethical, and represent the overall moral decay rampant in our society.

We hope that the perpetrator of this accident will come forward. Charges will certainly be leveled against the driver, but if the law finds him/her first, it could be worse than if he/she would turn him/herself in. As for the family of the victim of this accident—you may be entitled to compensation with which to pay medical and funeral bills, as well as pain and suffering. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you become aware of your rights. For such aid, contact Christensen & Hymas at (801) 506-0800.

A cyclist was hit this morning while riding eastbound along 9000 South in Sandy. According to KSL, the cyclist went against a traffic light at the eastbound-to-northbound ramp to I-15 and was struck by a pickup truck. The cyclist, whose name was not given, received moderate yet non-threatening injuries in the accident. Utah Highway Patrol trooper Robert Cowart is quoted as saying, “The pickup truck (driver) did not see the cyclist,” due to the cyclist’s wearing of black clothes and no reflective gear. He continued, “Wear reflective material… and also obey all traffic signals. It’s the safest thing for you and the safest thing for the public around you.”

We hope this cyclist will recover shortly and be back on his bicycle as soon as possible.

Regardless of fault, in a bicycle v. motor vehicle accident, the cyclist will bear the brunt of physical injury almost every time. The goal of all operators of motor vehicles is to keep themselves, those in their vehicles, and all those around safe as they travel—and that includes cyclists. Too often cyclists are disregarded, yet their place on the road is as lawful as that of any motor vehicle operator. If as a cyclist you have been injured due to the neglect of a motorist, call a Utah bicycle accident lawyer today at (801) 506-0800.