Austin Firefighter in a Coma after being Struck by Sleepy Truck Driver

In June, a 33-year-old Austin firefighter was left in a coma after a truck struck him while cycling on Manchaca Road.

According to the arrest affidavit, witnesses at the scene said the 33-year-old cyclist was riding in a bicycle lane when he was struck from behind by a careless driver. Witnesses said the 60-year-old motorist stopped for a moment, then accelerated away from the scene, without attempting to help the man he had just injured. The truck driver finally stopped after witnesses chased him down on foot.

Austin police arrested the 60-year-old man, and while being interviewed by police, revealed that he had taken a sleeping pill approximately two hours before the wreck.

Austin-Travis County EMS crews said the injured cyclist was unconscious when they arrived at the scene; he was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge, where he stayed in intensive care.

Our Austin Injury Lawyer Understands the Dangers of Cycling

A University of Texas survey revealed that 70% of Texan cyclists felt that riding a bike was dangerous, leaving you more prone to traffic accidents. In 2009, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 630 cyclists and injured 51,000 others across the United States.

If you or loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, we can answer your questions and advise you of your options. Contact our Austin injury attorney today at (512) 474-8346 to schedule a free, no obligation case evaluation.

Did You Know: Bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Injury Attorney