For area children, the school year is coming to a close and the warmer weather is calling them outdoors. Many Massachusetts youths are taking to their bicycles to get to and from school, and while some can stick to side streets and paths to find their routes, others must travel on busy roadways in order to get from home to school.

A high school ninth-grader was recently killed while riding his bike when he was struck by an automobile. The car accident occurred late in the evening, and though the young victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The victim, who was a good student and a polite person, leaves behind family and friends who now must cope with his loss.

There are many factors that may have contributed to the collision, including the darkness that was present at the late hour of the crash. While an accident investigation into the crash continues, its results may shed light on which party was responsible. In-car accidents, liability can be based on a number of legal theories, including but not limited to negligence, recklessness, and intentional misconduct. Violating particular state driving laws can demonstrate liability, as can intoxication and other forms of impairment.

Regardless of who was at fault in this accident, the victim’s loved ones are now left grieving for his loss and responsible for the costs associated with his medical treatment and funeral. Should the accident investigation reveal that the driver of the car was at fault for the collision, the victim’s family may seek to recover losses against the driver in order to financially compensate them.

Source: Boston.com, “North Providence student killed in bike-car crash,” May 16, 2013