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BOWSER MAN CHARGED IN FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRASH

Michael Golden Law Corporation Dec. 29, 2014

A 55-year-old Bowser man appeared in court in Courtenay on Dec. 18 after being charged with leaving the scene of an accident for his alleged role in a fatal hit-and-run accident. The accident, involving a vehicle and a bicyclist, occurred on Dec. 15.

Reportedly, a 48-year-old man who was an avid cyclist went for his regular bicycle ride in Fanny Bay. When he did not return, his wife went searching for him. Unfortunately, she found him lying in a ditch, apparently the victim of a hit-and-run accident. The man, who was a teacher at Lake Trail Middle School as well as a volunteer firefighter, died of his injuries.

Investigators received information about the 55-year-old man’s truck. They then seized his 2003 Ford F350 and placed the man under arrest. He was released from custody on a $2,000 recognizance bond, which means he did not have to post any money or surety. His bond has conditions attached, including abstention from alcohol and reporting to a bail supervising officer. If he is convicted, the man faces up to life in prison for his alleged crimes.

When a bicyclist is hit by a driver, any resulting injuries are likely to be serious ones. Even with helmets, bicyclists are largely unprotected. Drivers have a duty of care to pay attention to the roads and to drive carefully. When an accident occurs, drivers are to provide aid to any injured people and summon help. When they violate this duty of care and a person dies because of their actions, the family of the person who was killed may file a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the driver. Those families may wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

Source: Times Colonist , “Man charged in hit-and-run that claimed Island dad“, Drew A. Penner, December 18, 2014