Davis Law Group, P.S.

Bicyclist killed by train in Kent

Story Highlights:
One dead in Kent accident
Bicycle accident cause unknown



Date: May 10, 2011, 05/10/2011
Location: Kent, King County, Washington
Type: Bicycle Accident
Outcome: One dead

A bicyclist was struck and killed by a train in Kent on Tuesday night.

A little after 9:15 p.m. 47-year-old Lonnie Moss was heading east down Gowe Street when he bypassed the traffic-control gates and rode onto the train tracks. He was then struck by a BNSF passenger train and died instantly.

Kent Police Department is investigating the incident but believe that Moss was wearing headphones and his hearing may have been limited at the time and he did not hear the approaching train.

Bicycle Accident Statistics and Information

• Head injuries account for 60 percent of cycling fatalities.
• 1 in 8 of the cyclists with reported injuries has a traumatic brain injury.
• Two-thirds of bicycle accident deaths are from traumatic brain injuries.
• In 2009, 630 bicyclists were killed and 51,000 were injured nationally.
• Cyclist deaths made up 2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic deaths.
• Seventy percent of bicyclist deaths occurr in urban areas.
• The average age of bicyclists killed in traffic accidents in 2009 was 41.
• The average age for those injured was 31.
• More than eighty-five percent of people killed in 2009 in bicycle crashes were male.

Approaching train signal (RCW 46.61.340)
Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when:
(a) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train;
(b) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagger gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train;
(c) An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing.
(2) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.

Seattle Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Chris Davis and everyone at the Davis Law Group sends out their heartfelt condolences for the family and friends of the man who was lost in this tragic accident and hope they can find a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer that will help settle their case and get them the compensation they deserve for suffering such a tragic loss. Motor vehicle operators are required to exercise reasonable care when sharing the road with bicyclists. If a car driver's reckless or negligent driving caused you or a family member to be injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Seattle bicycle accident attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group, P.S. can help you. We understand the devastation that can occur as a result of being in a serious bicycle accident.