The family of a bicyclist killed in an intersection crash is suing the driver they allege was making an illegal U-turn. In the suit, attorneys for the bicyclist’s family claim the driver acted negligently when she struck and killed him as he passed by in a bike lane according to news reports in Washington.

According to the lawsuit filing, the biker was riding south when the Ford Econoline van driven by the Defendant company’s employee cut across the bike lane as the driver tried to perform a U-Turn. Unable to stop, the 39-year-old cyclist collided with the van as it crossed the bike lane and was killed. Attorney James Rogers is seeking compensation for the cyclist’s two young daughters. Plaintiffs’ counsel argued in court documents that the driver’s negligence resulted in his client’s death. Her employer, Rogers said, shares responsibility as the driver was working at the time of the collision. A tentative trial date is set for early 2011.