Boy struck by bicyclist near Pike Street Market in Seattle
Noni Echo-Hawk-Lopez, age 6, suffered an injury to his jaw after he was hit while walking by a bicyclist in a downtown Seattle intersection by a man who then tried to leave the area. Young Noni was hit while he was walking with his father Chris Lopez and brother on Friday night outside Pike Street Market. The bicyclist reportedly picked up his bike after the accident and tried to flee until a group of bystanders tackled him and subdued him until police arrived.
According to the report on Seattle's KING 5.com, Noni was treated at Harborview Medical Center where physicians had to wire his jaw shut. He may require reconstructive surgery in the future.
The article did not what charges the bicyclist might face. Washington vehicle code establishes crosswalks at all intersections and requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians (WAC 132E-16-040 Pedestrians — Right of Way).
This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in pedestrian accidents. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages including medical costs and for pain and suffering.
Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.
Comments
The bicyclist that hit the boy has been charged today with vehicular assault and hit and run according to The Seattle Times. (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2010302315_criminal_charges_filed_against.html). Rafael Araneta allegedly passed cars and red a red light before he hit young Noni.
Vehicular Assault can be charged if a person was seriously injured and a person was driving with reckless disregard to the safety of others.
According to the article, Araneta told police that he was scared and that was his excuse for fleeing the accident scene. His bicycle did not have brakes or a headlight.
Posted by: The Farber Law Group | November 18, 2009 7:20 PM