James Born II Killed in Maryhill Bicycle Accident

Q: How common are fatal bicycle crashes in Washington?

“The loss of a loved one in a hit‑and‑run collision leaves families searching for answers while navigating a complex investigative process. In Washington, bicyclist deaths have risen more than 40 percent over the past decade, reflecting a growing risk for vulnerable road users. When a driver flees the scene, the burden on the victim's family intensifies as authorities work to locate the responsible party. In bicycle accidents such as this, crash reconstruction analysts often rely on debris, tire marks, and witness accounts to identify the fleeing vehicle. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Hit-and-run crashes present unique and serious challenges because the responsible driver's departure removes the most direct source of accountability, placing far greater pressure on investigators to reconstruct events from whatever indirect evidence still remains." "Legal counsel handling the aftermath can help surviving families understand coverage options, challenge any insurer attempt to minimize a claim, and pursue civil remedies even when criminal charges remain unresolved," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.

Q: What are the comparative risks on rural corridors like Highway 97?

Rural highways often present heightened dangers for cyclists due to higher speed limits and limited shoulder space. According to the [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety](https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/fatality-statistics/detail/bicyclists), 1,155 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles nationwide in 2023, accounting for about 3 percent of all traffic deaths. While the search for the driver continues, families of hit-and-run victims often face immediate financial and emotional challenges. Uninsured drivers coverage can sometimes provide a path forward when an at-fault driver remains unidentified.

James Born II hit and run on Highway 97, Maryhill, Washington

The 69-year-old Indianapolis man was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding a tricycle on Highway 97

James Born II, 69, of Indianapolis, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Highway 97 near Maryhill early Monday, according to the Washington State Patrol.‌‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍

The northbound vehicle struck the tricycle rider near milepost 1 and fled the scene without stopping. Investigators are currently searching for the unidentified driver and the suspect vehicle, which continued traveling north after the impact.

Born was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Detectives are asking anyone who traveled through the area between 6:15 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. to review their dash-camera footage. police have not said if drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision.

WSP Detective Conor Schwilke is leading the ongoing search for the driver.

Bicyclist deaths in Washington rose sharply in 2023, with state records showing a 41.7% increase from 12 deaths in 2022 to 17 deaths in 2023.

How common are fatal bicycle crashes in Washington?

When a driver flees the scene, the burden on the victim's family intensifies as authorities work to locate the responsible party. In bicycle accidents such as this, crash reconstruction analysts often rely on debris, tire marks, and witness accounts to identify the fleeing vehicle.

Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Hit-and-run crashes present unique and serious challenges because the responsible driver's departure removes the most direct source of accountability, placing far greater pressure on investigators to reconstruct events from whatever indirect evidence still remains."

"Legal counsel handling the aftermath can help surviving families understand coverage options, challenge any insurer attempt to minimize a claim, and pursue civil remedies even when criminal charges remain unresolved," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.

What are the comparative risks on rural corridors like Highway 97?

While the search for the driver continues, families of hit-and-run victims often face immediate financial and emotional challenges. Uninsured drivers coverage can sometimes provide a path forward when an at-fault driver remains unidentified.

Washington wrongful death statute

Under RCW § 4.20.010, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Washington applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 3 years.

Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.

"Wrongful death claims give surviving relatives a formal legal pathway to hold responsible parties accountable, and an attorney can file and manage that process during the most difficult period imaginable," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.