Adam and Matthew Bullard, brothers from Whittier, California, were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver in Utah in a tragic bicycle accident as they participated in a race.
According to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune, the crash occurred on the afternoon of April 9 when the brothers, aged 49 and 48, were cycling in a bike race.
When the crash occurred, they were headed westbound on Telegraph Street in Washington City as they rode in the Spring Tour of St. George.
Criminal Charges Filed After Fatal Bicycle Accident
According to police, 47-year-old Julie Budge hit the brothers with her Toyota Highlander in the bike lane.
Witnesses tried to administer lifesaving measures after the bicycle accident, but the two men died later in an area hospital. Budge was arrested and has been charged with multiple criminal charges including DUI and automobile homicide.
She told police she hadn’t seen the cyclists and that she couldn’t get her car to stop. Budge failed all field sobriety tests, according to court documents. She also faces one count each of reckless driving and failure to stay in a travel lane.
The Tribune also reports that Budge was convicted of a DUI in 2015. The bicycle accident investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington City Police at 435-986-1515.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Adam and Matthew Bullard for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Impaired Drivers and Bicycle Accidents
Based on this news report, driver Julie Budge faces several charges, including driving under the influence and causing this double fatal bicycle accident.
When drivers operate under the influence of alcohol, they are not just breaking the law but putting themselves and others on the roadway in great danger.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are particularly at high risk because they have little protection and are more vulnerable. In such collisions, pedestrians or bicyclists often suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.
In addition to facing criminal charges and penalties, DUI drivers can also be held financially liable for the injuries, damages, and losses they cause. An experienced DUI victims’ lawyer can pursue these negligent drivers and hold them accountable financially.
Families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship. If over-serving alcohol was a factor, there may be additional fines.
Source: https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/04/11/brothers-struck-killed/
