Knowledge Experience Compassion Service 
A 19-year old bicyclist riding cross-country to raise money for breast cancer research died after being struck by a car. He was part of a team of cyclists riding to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The car/bike collision occurred near Laguna, New Mexico, about 50 miles west of Albuquerque. Witnesses report that the truck came around a bend on the narrow, two-way State Route 124, one of New Mexico’s most dangerous roadways, and hit the cyclist. The SUV driver was driving on the apron when the accident occurred.
The collision is still under investigation.
Although he was treated immediately, the bicyclist’s head injuries were too severe and he was declared brain dead shortly after being admitted to the hospital.
The bicyclist was a student at the University of Colorado, majoring in biological and chemical engineering. A spokesman from the University stated, “it’s a tragic loss for his family and the university community.”
Car accidents can happen in an instant but may change the lives of the victims and their families forever. Here, this accident underscored the need for safety on New Mexico’s roads and thoroughfares and the real dangers that face bicyclists trying to traverse through narrow stretches of roadway.
As New Mexico personal injury attorneys, we have seen far too many accidents caused by drivers driving too fast for conditions, distracted driving, and dangerous roadways. We are hopeful that this tragic accident will raise awareness of safety issues on our roadways as well as the need to “share the road” with bicyclists.