Bicycle rider critically injured after being rear-ended by a truck

By JIM DANKO

A bicyclist was listed in critical condition after he was rear-ended by a truck in Augusta on Monday, Aug. 8, according to The Augusta Chronicle.

A Richmond County Sheriff's deputy said the bicyclist, Ernest Tanner, 57, of Augusta, sustained head trauma as a result of the bicycle accident near 1779 Tobacco Road, the Chronicle reported. The cause of the accident appears to be truck driver negligence. Charges of following too closely are pending against truck driver Willie Ferrell. Police also believe speeding was a factor in the bicycle-truck accident.

The Chronicle is reporting that a witness told authorities it appeared as though Ferrell was trying to swerve out of the way before he hit the cyclist. Tanner was properly equipped with reflectors, according to deputy reports, but the report did not indicate if Tanner was wearing a helmet.

"Cyclists have a right to share the road with motor vehicles," said Atlanta personal injury lawyer Gary Martin Hays, of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C. "All motorists must give enough space to bicycles on the road. In fact, a new Georgia law, which went into effect on July 1, requires cars and trucks to keep at least three feet of distance from bicycles when passing them on the road. In this case, the driver may be charged with following too closely. Hopefully, the injured cyclist will make a full and speedy recovery."