Sunday's collision in Iowa City claims life of 41-year-old woman, authorities say
IOWA CITY, IA, (September 15, 2024) - A well-known cyclist from Iowa City lost her life after being hit by a vehicle on Sunday, Sept. 15, along Rohret Road, according to authorities. A GoFundMe has been created to cover the victim's funeral and other costs.
Ashlee Hopkins, 41, was severely injured after being hit by a vehicle in Iowa City on Sunday afternoon. Sadly, the 41-year-old cyclist later passed away on Monday, eight days after the collision.
The incident happened shortly after 4 p.m. in the 3300 block of Rohret Rd. in Iowa City.
Tragically, 41-year-old Ashlee Hopkins died from her injuries on Monday, eight days after the collision. Iowa City Police did not provide any additional information about the crash or the motorist who struck the cyclist.
An investigation into the crash remains underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Our roads pose a unique danger for bicycle riders. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 854 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles, accounting for 2 percent of traffic fatalities.
“Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, and many factors can contribute to serious crashes,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal and an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process.”
Bond noted that in cases such as this, it is important to have an independent investigation conducted sooner than later to preserve any evidence.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of any investigations, the family members of Ashlee Hopkins may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Survivors of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights.”
“An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during this difficult time, and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in fatal bicycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).