Holland, MI — 39-year-old bicyclist Eric Aittama was injured in a car accident that occurred on Friday, November 20, at around 1:30 p.m. near the intersection of James Street and 120th Avenue.
According to police, Aittama was heading west on a partial sidewalk bicycle path when a postal truck driven by 61-year-old David Wicks crossed the path, hitting Aittama.
Aittama was taken to Zeeland Hospital with serious injuries. Police are still investigating to find out how the collision occurred. The victim’s current condition is not known.
Map of the Accident
Commentary:
Bicyclists and pedestrians usually have the right of way when crossing in designated crosswalks, as long as they have already entered the pathway before a car approaches, and that car has plenty of time to stop. We don’t know exactly what happened here, but before placing the blame on the bicyclist, some investigation needs to be done to find out if he had the right of way at the time of the accident.
If the driver of the postal delivery service was not paying attention, he or she should needs to take responsibility for the injuries and suffering the bicyclist endured as a result of the accident. City or federal vehicles have protection to some extent, but that doesn’t mean they can go around hitting people without paying the consequences. If the truck was for a private company, the driver is an employee of the company, and therefore that company takes responsibility for any accidents he or she causes.
Again, I’m not saying the accident was this driver’s fault, because we don’t have all the details, but in an effort to keep these accidents from happening again and again, investigation into the cause and justice for the victims is important in order to keep streets safer for everyone.
—Grossman Law Offices
