The hit and run car accident that cost Taylor Tolleson his cycling career happened almost a year ago, but he still deals with the pain on a daily basis. The brain injury he suffered has caused him memory loss and he suffers from mood swings. The pain from broken vertebra in his back prevent him from hunching over his bike for too long, robbing him of the pleasure he used to derive from long bike rides.
Last week Tolleson sued the suspected hit and run driver, 25-year-old Thomas John Legan, and his father - to whom the car was registered. Even though Legan fled the scene of the accident, he has yet to be charged with a felony hit and run. He was released from jail on bond.
However, Santa Cruz District Attorney Bob Lee is taking another look at the case and may choose to reopen the investigation into the car accident. Legan has been given several speeding tickets in the past and was arrested last December on suspicion of DUI. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
Tolleson was a bright, young star in the sport of professional cycling, heralded by some as the next Lance Armstrong.
Last summer, he was riding his motorcycle home after having dinner with his parents when he was struck from behind by someone, believed to be Legan, driving an Audi. The speeding car pinned him briefly before accelerated over him and speeding away. Another driver going past stopped and dialed 911.
The Audi was later found abandoned, after which it was traced back to Legan's father.
As for Tolleson, he currently works in a bike shop - the closest he can get to the sport he once planned to dedicate his life to.
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