As bicyclists, all were shocked in March 2008 to learn the horrible news that Santa Clara Sheriff’s Deputy James Council had crashed into several innocent bicyclists, causing the wrongful death of two riders, and badly injuring a third. As a bicycle accident attorney who handles many cases for riders against public entities, I was surprised and pleased when Santa Clara County actually accepted responsibility for this tragic bicycle crash. In tough economic times, it seems even more rare for individuals or institutions to accept liability, and extremely rare for them to make themselves financially accountable.
We reported last month that Santa Clara County did the right thing and agreed to pay $1.2 million to Karen Clarkson, the mother of one of the cyclists killed. Now I am equally pleased to report that the County has entered a settlement with the family of Kristy Gough, another injured cyclist.
We once again thank the County for accepting liability immediately, although it took over a year and a half for the County to reach this settlement. Please join me in sending prayers and condolences to Kristy Gough’s family for their loss.
