eNews - October 17, 2008
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| Significant Settlement In Bicyclist's Wrongful Death |
Personal injury attorney Howard Krepack obtained a significant settlement for the family of Scott Bleifer, the 41-year-old avid cyclist who was struck and killed by a catering truck on Pacific Coast Highway in September 2005. The challenging and complex lawsuit involved multiple defendants, including the California Department of Transportation.
Bleifer was training for the Arthritis Foundation's eight-day, 500-mile charity ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, one of many rides he participated in to raise money for charitable organizations. He was riding on PCH in Malibu when he found the usual route used by cyclists blocked by a private construction project in progress. Cal Trans granted the permit blocking the path, but decided against creating a replacement lane, even though they were aware it was regularly used by bicyclists. Denied access, Bleifer was forced into traffic, and was struck and killed by a catering truck.
"This was a tragic death and tremendous loss, not only for Scott's family but for the entire bicycling community," said Krepack. "Everyone who knew Scott thought of him as a vibrant and caring human being."
Bleifer, a vice president at Union Bank, was a longtime member of Velo Club La Grange, one of the largest and oldest cycling clubs on the west coast, and recognized as the USA Cycling 2007 "Club of the Year." The Club has dedicated time, energy and money working toward making the roads safe for bicyclists. Krepack says, "Scott was known for being very safety conscious when he rode his bike, and was always available to provide hands-on training to other riders."
Krepack, already an enthusiastic cyclist, was spurred on to join the Club through his work with the Bleifer family. This association has also fostered his interest in creating a bicycle-friendly community in Los Angeles, and he has become active on the Club's Public Policy Committee. "Cyclists, motorists and the government need to work together to make the roads safe for all of us," Krepack commented.
Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein has a successful track record representing those harmed in bicycle accidents. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and would like to talk with one of our attorneys, please click here.
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