Friday, November 22, around 6:50 pm the San Diego Police Department, was notified of a collision between a Volkswagen car and a bicyclist on Camino Del Sur in the San Diego neighborhood of Black Mountain Ranch, which ultimately killed the bicyclist, who was later identified as 60-year-old James Osmus. 

The collision occurred when the Volkswagen driver, a 50-year-old woman, traveling in the right-hand lane of Camino Del Sur, suddenly veered into the bike lane as she crossed the intersection of Casey Glen and struck Osmus. When police arrived, Osmus was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this time, the reason for the driver veering into the bike lane is unknown. Police have determined that alcohol was not a factor in the collision and officials will continue to investigate the details of this fatal collision. 

The Dangers of Car vs. Pedestrian and Bicyclist Collisions

Car vs. pedestrian or bicyclist collisions often have devastating outcomes due to the disparity in size, weight, and speed between vehicles and the vulnerability of pedestrians and bicyclists. Unlike vehicle occupants, bicyclists and pedestrians have little to no protection, leaving them vulnerable to the full force of impact. Even at lower speeds, collisions can result in life-altering consequences, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. The risk of serious harm increases significantly when drivers fail to remain vigilant, especially in areas where bicycles and vehicles share the road.

Intersections, like where Friday’s incident occurred, are particularly dangerous. Drivers often fail to yield, make abrupt maneuvers, are driving while distracted, or fail to notice cyclists in designated bike lanes. These risks underscore the need for brightened awareness and adherence to traffic laws, as well as infrastructure improvements like protected bike lanes to enhance safety for all road users. 

“The loss of life in a bicycling accident is an unimaginable tragedy,” says Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber personal injury law firm, “every day, cyclists trust that drivers will respect their right to the road, yet accidents like this remind us how quickly lives can be forever changed and lost. Our thoughts are with Mr. Osmus’s family during this incredibly difficult time.” 

Legal Options for Collision Victims and Their Families

When a loved one dies in a collision, families face many unexpected burdens such as heartbreak, financial hurdles, and more. If evidence suggests that the driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, families may have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. This legal option may allow the family to obtain some financial relief by allowing them to receive compensation for the following:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Lost income or benefits
  • Loss of companionship
  • And more

If you have lost a loved one due to a bicycle vs car collision, call Singleton Schreiber today to get started with their team of experienced personal injury lawyers. Contact us by calling (619) 771-3473 or by emailing us at info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about how we may be able to help.