TPD take on Saturday’s Shootout Ride incident
safety September 8th, 2009
Here’s what TOPD told the Cathie Batbie, KVOA Assistant News Director:
Around 6am Saturday (9/5) Tohono O’Odham Fire and Police Departments
assisted by Pima County Sheriff and Drexel Heights Fire responded to
Mission Rd and Valencia Rd. TOPD says a driver on Mission Rd was passing
a number of bicyclists. To avoid an oncoming vehicle, she veered back
into her lane, striking 6 or 7 cyclists.No serious injuries, possible broken bones. 4 transported to local area
hospitals. 2 refused treatment. Driver cited for unsafe passing.
–EBR
September 8th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Okay, Erik. Lawyer hat time.
Do these riders have any civil recourse against this driver? Can they file claims against this driver’s insurance?
September 8th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Hi Ben,
Oh sure, they definitely do. But she may not have carried much insurance, and there are likely some big hospital bills for the fellow in the ICU.
This is why I always tell people: IF YOU RIDE A BIKE, CARRY THE MOST UNDER-INSURED/UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE YOU CAN AFFORD.
This coverage, called “UIM/UM” will cover you (but check your policy) when you are on a bike or even as a pedestrian, and it is fairly inexpensive. I’ve got a million-dollar policy for about 40 dollars a month or so. This insurance kicks in whenever you have exhausted the driver’s policy. Remember, most drivers in Arizona are only insured to $15,000.00. You can use that up with a single ER visit.
–EBR
September 8th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I learned something today. And I’m glad I asked.
Thanks, Erik!
September 9th, 2009 at 6:41 am
While we’re on the subject, if hit by the inadequately insured, how difficult is it in this state to lien property or garnish wages to collect a settlement? It’s slow, but it seems better than just letting the responsible party off the hook completely.
September 9th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Another question about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you don’t own a car (and therefore can’t get auto insurance) do you know any way to get this?
September 9th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I wonder if there was enough of an investigation to determine whether or not there was an oncoming car? Would it matter?
September 9th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Sarah, I think you can get insurance without owning a car. Call around. It might start getting prohibitively expensive at that point, though.
EBR
September 9th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Man, I just heard about this accident. Seems like there are so many encounters between bicyclists and cars on South Mission Rd. and I personally know of 2 other individuals who were struck by cars in incidents there over the years. There was one man, a.k.a. the “Sahuarita Psycho”, who drove an old white pickup truck and who preyed on the bicyclists in that area. I believe he was sentenced to some jail time a few years back after running into a bicyclist. It’s nuts down there.
All I know is that I never ride on South Mission any more. It just isn’t worth the danger in my opinion. I mean, I know we take a risk no matter where we ride, but on a stretch of road that has seen more than its share of bike-related accidents, I’m just not chancing it any more. (Plus the riders in the Shootout would kick my butt anyway!)