According to police reports, Greg Lopez was traveling on his bicycle down Central Avenue several weeks back, when a truck attempted to pass him. The vehicle got too close, and the rear tires sucked Lopez under the vehicle. The driver eventually ran him over before fleeing the scene.

Lopez, who badly injured his left side in the accident, is still unable to walk, weeks after the accident. Family members indicated that, despite his positive outlook on life, his recovery would indeed be a long and arduous road, and he will have a difficult time getting back on his feet.

In the meantime, police continue to ask for the assistance of the public in apprehending the hit-and-run suspect. Authorities have released a distinct description of the vehicle sought in connection to the incident – a green or blue tow or mechanical-type truck with a smoke stack.

Identifying the driver, Lopez’s family says, is the first step in giving the victim closure after the life-changing incident.

If You Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident

Bicyclists sharing the roadways with large automobiles face a heightened risk for personal injury, particularly by negligent operators or drivers under the influence. However, the most common cause of bicycle personal injury is distracted driving, and motorists today face a rising number of distractions when buckling up behind the wheel.

While mobile phones and text messaging continue to distract motorists and cause serious accidents, many bicycle accidents are caused because a driver simply failed to be on the lookout for others on the road.

In New Mexico, automobiles must maintain a safe distance from cyclists – at least 5 feet – when sharing a common roadway and the bicycle is riding along the road boundary. Vehicles that breach the margin could be held liable for negligence – a criminal act.

When bicycle accidents occur, riders are exposed to a range of serious injuries, including:

Head injuries
Broken or fractured limbs
Road rash, scrapes, bruising or other significant skin injuries
Death

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue damages or other financial compensation. In New Mexico, a qualified personal injury attorney can assist victims pursuing a bicycle accident settlement.

At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, our Las Cruces bicycle accident attorneys constantly advocate for bicyclist awareness and safety. Our founder, Mr. Kane, is an active member in the local cyclist community, and we have extensive experience in handling these types of claims. Regardless of your situation or the extent of your injuries, we are committed to helping you reach a fair and favorable outcome in your case.

To schedule your initial consultation to assess your personal injury claim, contact us today at (575) 541-3004.