Michael Gordon, 65, Died In Washington D.C. Dump Truck Accident While Riding Bicycle on 7th Street Northwest by Rhode Island Avenue
WASHINGTON DC, VIRGINIA (June 20, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Michael Gordon has died in a Washington DC dump truck accident along 7th Street Northwest.
Washington DC police officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:30 a.m. on Friday. Michael Gordon entered a crosswalk on his bicycle when he was struck by a dump truck driver making a right hand turn.
The impact caused the bicycle and victim to become entangled underneath the dump truck. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Michael Gordon was eventually extricated from underneath the dump truck. Sadly, he was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Washington D.C. Dump Truck Accidents
Dump truck accidents have continued to increase over the past several years. According to the Engineering News Record, “Serious accidents involving dump trucks and ready-mix concrete delivery trucks continue to edge up, part of a persistent, multi-industry problem with poor driving habits that has not yet responded to increased fleet and vehicle insurance premiums.” Fatigue, in particular, was cited as one of the major contributing factors for dump truck crashes. There are a number of factors that make dump trucks particularly hazardous to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Dump trucks tend to have very large blind spots that can obscure the presence of bicyclists.
- Dump trucks can weigh as much as 30,000 lbs making even low speed collisions potentially deadly.
- Dump trucks have a wide turning radius which can make side-impact collisions more likely.
Dump truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial driver’s license and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. A large number of dump truck collisions are due to dump truck drivers that make dangerous turns. Pursuant to D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 18 § 2204, no person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or otherwise move right or left upon a roadway unless such an action can be made with reasonable safety. when a dump truck driver fails to exercise due care and strikes a bicyclist they can be held at fault through a civil claim.
If a dump truck driver was working when an accident took place, their employer could potentially be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a dump truck driver may have been completing their route when they crashed. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any dump truck collision.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be examined.
- The dump truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, dump truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved.
Investigating A Washington D.C. Dump Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Gordon. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. So many questions need to be answered. Was the dump truck driver involved in this crash distracted? Were they properly licensed? Did they receive adequate training?
Do you need more information about a Washington D.C. dump truck accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
