RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS - A cyclist was killed and another critically injured Tuesday night when an out-of-control sport utility vehicle went up an ice plant embankment, through a chain link fence and onto the bike path that runs along Highway 56, the San Diego Union Tribune reported. The accident occurred at about 6:20 p.m., along eastbound Hwy 56, between Camino Del Sur and Black Mountain Road. According to news accounts, the female driver of the SUV was trying to transition from the Number 2 lane into the Number 1 lane, when for unknown reasons, she lost control of her SUV, and went off the highway and onto the bicycle path, killing one cyclist and critically injuring another. According to the CHP, both cyclists were wearing helmets.
UPDATE: The North County Times reported this afternoon that the cyclist who died was Nicolas Venuta, 40, of Poway. The injured cyclist was Baron Herdelin-Doherty, 51, of Solana Beach, the president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of San Diego County. The driver that struck the two cyclists is Sheena Marie Saranita, 27, of San Diego. Saranita suffered only minor injuries.
Cause of the Highway 56 Bicycle Accident
The driver of the SUV was taken to the hospital following the accident and officers did not immediately speak with her. The CHP is investigating what happened and why the driver of the SUV veered off the freeway. Did she make a sudden maneuver or swerve to avoid something in the highway? It is not known yet if alcohol or drugs were or were not a factor. When accidents like this happen, impairment or distraction are always a possibility. The CHP may arrange to have the SUV inspected, if a defect such as a tire blow out, caused the driver to lose control of her vehicle. Hopefully the CHP investigation will reveal exactly what happened and why. Based on the information, it appears there is nothing the cyclists could have done to avoid being struck by the out of control SUV.
Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability
Following a cycling accident such as this May 31st Highway 56 bicycle accident in Rancho Peñasquitos, the family members of the two cyclists involved would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney who is also a passionate cyclist understands the challenges cyclists face both on the roads, and in the aftermath of an accident. While the accident remains under investigation, a lawyer can ensure the families' best interests and legal rights are protected, to hold the driver and any other responsible parties accountable for the devastation this accident caused in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
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