Bicycle Collision Leads to Fatal Injuries in Adult Pedestrian

Case Overview

This case involves an adult pedestrian who tragically succumbed to injuries after being struck by a racing cyclist while crossing an intersection. The incident occurred early in the morning, and the pedestrian was out for a walk with their partner when the collision took place. Following the impact, the individual was airlifted to a nearby medical center due to severe head trauma. Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, the pedestrian never regained consciousness and ultimately passed away as a result of the injuries sustained.

Questions to the Forensic Pathology expert and their responses

Please describe your experience conducting autopsies or reviewing autopsy records for individuals involved in bicycle collisions.

I have been practicing forensic pathology for over 20 years. I’ve done thousands of autopsies including multiple cases of individuals struck by motor vehicles and motorcycles. I have also done cases of bicycle accidents striking fixed objects or being struck by motor vehicles. I have also done cases of individuals who fell from a standing height or fell off of a skateboard and received skull fractures. I would be interested in assisting with this case.

Briefly, how can injuries sustained in a bicycle collision cause death?

An individual hit by a bicycle going at a high rate of speed can cause several different types of injuries at a minimum and an individual falling from a standing height and hitting their head on the concrete or pavement can result in skull fractures and hemorrhages of the brain that can be fatal.

About the expert

This expert has over 20 years of experience in the field of forensic pathology. He obtained his BS in chemistry from Wichita State University, before receiving his MD from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He went on to complete a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Tennessee, followed by a prestigious fellowship in forensic pathology at the Office of the Medical Examiner of Cook County. Today, this expert is double board-certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and forensic pathology. He is active in his field as a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the National Association of Medical Examiners. He is also active in academia, having published over a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles on topics related to forensic pathology. This expert previously served as an autopsy technician at St. Francis Medical Center, as an assistant medical examiner for Shelby County, as the managing prosector at Lab Corp of Mississippi, as the managing forensic pathologist in the DuPage County Coroner's Office, as the deputy medical examiner in the Office of the Medical Examiner of Cook County, and as the deputy medical examiner in the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office. Most recently, he was a clinical assistant professor of pathology at University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston. Currently, he serves as an assistant professor of pathology practice and the director of the forensic fellowship program at a medical school in Texas. In addition, he serves as the chief medical examiner in a medical examiner's office in Texas.

E-150007

Specialties:

Forensic Pathology

Celia Guo is the Vice President of Multidisciplinary Research at Expert Institute. With a background rooted in public policy and criminal justice, Celia brings a wealth of experience in data-driven legal analysis. Prior to joining The Expert Institute, she conducted research for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, focusing on drug diversion cases, and collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union to analyze officer-involved shootings in Fresno, California. Her policy advocacy work also includes lobbying with the Drug Policy Alliance for the RISE Act, aimed at reforming sentencing enhancements for minor drug offenses.

Celia holds a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University and an M.P.P. from the University of Southern California. She combines her policy expertise with a passion for justice to lead a dynamic research team that supports litigation strategy across a wide range of practice areas.