Cyclist Suffers Brain Injury in Hit-and-Run Accident

The father of an injured cyclist is asking the public for help identifying a hit-and-run driver.

On October 12, a 23-year-old San Diego woman was riding down West Point Loma Boulevard on her way home from work. Around 1:20 a.m., an unidentified vehicle struck her and fled the scene, leaving the critically injured rider alone on the side of the road.

The victim was eventually found alive and rushed to the UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest, but she suffered a severe brain injury in the crash. Doctors had to remove part of her skull due to brain swelling, and she remains in intensive care.

Her father and various other family members came to visit her in the hospital, but they were reportedly “horrified” by her condition. Her father told reporters that no one “[was] really prepared” to see her like that.

He also stated that the victim moved to San Diego in July, and bought her red bike to train for an AIDS ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Now, as his daughter fights for her life, he is asking the public to help police find out who caused the near-fatal accident.

San Diego police describe the hit-and-run vehicle as a white pickup truck with a camper shell, possibly with yellow or brown on it. They are urging anyone with information about the Ocean Beach accident to come forward.

Even if this woman survives her ordeal, her life will never be the same. Traumatic brain injuries can cause mental and physical disabilities that can alter victims’ lives even after they heal.

San Diego’s cycling community is a big part of what makes our city special, but riders still face danger every day from distracted and reckless drivers. A crash can be devastating, but the driver may never face criminal charges.

Bike Accident Attorney in San Diego

Bonnici Law Group helps cyclists and other vulnerable users get justice after an accident. If a reckless driver caused your bike accident, share your story with one of our licensed attorneys in a free consultation today.

[Did You Know: If there is too much swelling after a brain injury, doctors will remove a section of the skull and replace it a few days later.]

Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego bicycle accident lawyer

Source: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Hit-and-Run-Victim-Remains-in-ICU-With-Brain-Injury-279713352.html#ixzz3GnpcQ0Gy