The San Francisco Bay Area cycling community suffered a tragic loss last November when Mark Pendleton, a loving husband and father to two sons, was struck by a car while riding his bike. The driver of the vehicle did not stop and Pendleton died along the side of a road. As Bay Area bike attorneys, we’ve supported local law enforcement in their efforts to find and prosecute the motorist responsible for the serious bike accident.
Just over six months after the accident, the suspected driver of the vehicle, Harold Brown, was arrested by the CHP. Brown was booked on charges of felony hit-and-run as well as vehicular manslaughter. The arraignment is scheduled to take place within the month. Let’s support Mark Pendleton’s family, friends and cycling teammates by attending the arraignment. Details will be posted on a designated website: www.findmarkskiller.com.
As happy as we are that the suspect has been apprehended, we never want to overlook the financial consequences to the family. As bicycle accident attorneys we often represent bicycle riders injured by hit and run drivers. Most people are not aware that a bicycle rider injured by a hit and run motorist can make a claim for a under the uninsured motorist provision of their own auto policy? This is another good reason to carry the highest limits you can afford on your own auto policy. Your auto insurance is there to protect you in case of at fault accidents and in case someone without adequate insurance hurts you. The family of Mr. Pendleton should have by now hired a bicycle accident attorney and made a uninsured motorist claim. Even if the hit and run driver goes to jail, this will not help to take care of the killed biker’s family.
Also, the Mark Pendleton Memorial Ride will take place this weekend, November 22nd 9am in Danville
Mark Pendleton’s family, friends and teammates will be honoring him by inviting those who would like to celebrate his life to join his team at the Danville Peet’s Coffee & Tea at 9am for a moment of reflection before setting off on a three-hour memorial ride. Information about this ride is posted to the team’s home page www.c4racing.org.
