Pittsburgh, PA (August 20, 2024) – A fatal bike crash occurred on Tuesday night, August 20, in Harrison Township, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old girl. The incident was reported by Allegheny County police and happened around 7:30 p.m. on Kuntz Street.
According to the Allegheny County police, the young girl, identified as Roxanne Bonnoni, was riding her bike when she was struck by a vehicle. First responders arrived at the scene and performed life-saving measures, but tragically, the youngster was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and has been cooperating with the authorities ever since. It is currently unclear if any charges will be filed. The accident prompted a significant response from local emergency services, including the police, who managed the scene and controlled traffic to ensure the safety of other road users.
Firefighters were also involved in the accident, assisting with the scene cleanup and vehicle removal. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office is handling the investigation, and further details will be released as they become available.
We send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
Pittsburgh’s Growing Bike-Car Accident Crisis
In recent years, Pittsburgh has witnessed a troubling increase in fatal bike-car accidents. According to the Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety, there were 15 bike-related fatalities in the city in 2023, a notable rise from the 10 reported in 2022.
This uptick underscores a critical need for enhanced safety measures and greater awareness among both drivers and cyclists. Key factors contributing to these accidents include distracted driving, inadequate bike lanes, and limited visibility, which are exacerbated by the city’s dense traffic and challenging road conditions.
To combat this alarming trend, efforts are underway to improve infrastructure, such as expanding dedicated bike lanes and enhancing street lighting. Public awareness campaigns are also being launched to educate cyclists and drivers on road safety practices. Despite these proactive measures, the statistics reveal an ongoing risk, highlighting the urgent need for continued action to protect vulnerable road users.
In addition to safety measures, the legal concept of wrongful death plays a crucial role for families affected by such tragedies. Wrongful death refers to a claim made when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. This claim allows surviving family members or beneficiaries to seek compensation for their loss and suffering.
Supporting a wrongful death claim typically requires a variety of evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and documentation that demonstrates the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing. Expert witnesses’ testimony may also be necessary to establish the cause of death and assess the impact on the survivors.
As the community grapples with the rising number of fatal bike-car accidents, understanding both preventative measures and legal avenues is essential for addressing this urgent issue.
Seeking legal guidance is essential for victims and their families to navigate the complex legal process and pursue rightful compensation.
If you have lost a loved one in a Pittsburgh fatal car accident, a knowledgeable Pittsburgh car accident attorney from The Slocum Law Firm is prepared to help. With an unwavering commitment to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, our law firm offers personalized legal representation to individuals injured due to negligence.
To speak with our lawyers about your Pittsburgh fatal car accident, call The Slocum Law Firm at (570) 209-7376 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through the claims process and ensure that your rights and interests are tirelessly defended.
