First, a texting pickup truck driver hit and killed a West Fargo bicyclist north of Fargo, North Dakota, in June, 2014. Then, a different pickup truck hit a bicycle rider from behind and killed her in August. The second crash occurred northwest of Fargo, ND, on Highway 200.
The June distracted driver struck and killed a West Fargo bicyclist near Hillsboro, north of Fargo, North Dakota. The pickup truck driver was texting while driving. The bike rider had stopped along the road. The truck driver initially told North Dakota Highway Patrol that he was reaching in his glove box for a cd when he looked up and saw the woman too late to avoid the collision. 
He later admitted typing a text message just before the crash. The accident happened mid-morning on June 21, 2014. He was looking down at his phone, then looked up just before hitting the West Fargo bicyclist. He deleted all of his text messages, afraid of getting caught.
As if texting while driving was not enough, the responding state trooper smelled alcohol on the pickup truck driver’s breath. He tested under the .08 limit, and said he last drank the night before.
The distracted driver posted messages on his Facebook account apologizing to the family of the bike rider. The bicyclist worked in Fargo, and was well-known in the Fargo and West Fargo running and biking community.
Charges are pending against the driver in the August crash northwest of Fargo, but the investigation continues. In that collision, a pickup truck hit a triathlete training on her bicycle. The woman was killed. The cause of the driver’s distraction has not been announced.
It has been a deadly summer for bike riders near Fargo, North Dakota.
The personal injury lawyers at the Stowman Law Firm, P.A., can help after tragic accidents like the two described here. Our office represents bike riders hurt in bike-car crashes. We also help surviving family members pick up the pieces after someone is killed. We help people in Minnesota and North Dakota. Often, negligent drivers try to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. Our office can help bring justice after injuries and to surviving family members.
If you have questions, contact a personal injury attorney. You don’t have to contact us, but contact someone.