2008 Woodie Awards
Bicyclist hit on University Ave.
Driver said she did not see student traveling road
April Abernathy
A Ball State University student remains with a twisted bicycle and a sprained ankle after being struck by a driver at the intersection of McKinley and University avenues Friday.
Sophomore Dakota Smith was riding his bicycle west on University Avenue when Nancy Cunnington turned left onto McKinley, and she hit him.
"He kind of rolled and flew through the air," witness Bethany Murphy said. Murphy was walking north on McKinley Avenue when the accident happened.
Cunnington said she did not see Smith.
"I did not see him at all," she said. She declined to comment any further.
Murphy said Cunnington seemed confused. She said Cunnington did not know any of her personal information, such as where to find her insurance and registration information or what her personal and work phone numbers were.
Smith left the accident with minor bruises, scrapes and a sprained ankle. He could not ride his bike because of the damage from the car. The damages, which include a bent fork and front tire, a snapped front rim and spokes and a broken pedal, will cost an estimated $520 for parts and labor, he said.
"She drug the bike a little and spit it out on the side of the road," Smith said.
Smith said no police report had been filed because Cunnington was deciding between turning the accident into insurance or paying the damages out-of-pocket.
Smith said motorists need to be more aware of what is happening outside the car.
"They don't realize the force they are pushing around," Smith said.
Sophomore Dakota Smith was riding his bicycle west on University Avenue when Nancy Cunnington turned left onto McKinley, and she hit him.
"He kind of rolled and flew through the air," witness Bethany Murphy said. Murphy was walking north on McKinley Avenue when the accident happened.
Cunnington said she did not see Smith.
"I did not see him at all," she said. She declined to comment any further.
Murphy said Cunnington seemed confused. She said Cunnington did not know any of her personal information, such as where to find her insurance and registration information or what her personal and work phone numbers were.
Smith left the accident with minor bruises, scrapes and a sprained ankle. He could not ride his bike because of the damage from the car. The damages, which include a bent fork and front tire, a snapped front rim and spokes and a broken pedal, will cost an estimated $520 for parts and labor, he said.
"She drug the bike a little and spit it out on the side of the road," Smith said.
Smith said no police report had been filed because Cunnington was deciding between turning the accident into insurance or paying the damages out-of-pocket.
Smith said motorists need to be more aware of what is happening outside the car.
"They don't realize the force they are pushing around," Smith said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
MichaelK
posted 10/07/08 @ 6:38 AM EST
ALWAYS file a police report. Even after the fact if necessary. What's he going to do if she decides not to pay anything at all? Or if the sprain ends up worse than he thought?
mom52
Mom52
posted 10/07/08 @ 11:46 AM EST
Was the bicycle rider wearing a helmet?
scrambled
posted 10/07/08 @ 6:34 PM EST
Who had the green light in the first place? There's no reason the driver should have turned left if the cyclist had a green light. So I'm assuming he shouldn't have been crossing in the first place. (Continued…)
Post a Comment