Arnold Schwarzenegger is being sued after hitting cyclist with his SUV

Arnold Schwarzenegger is facing a lawsuit from a cyclist he allegedly struck with his SUV earlier this year. The cyclist, Joanne Flickinger, alleges that Schwarzenegger’s “negligent” driving caused her injuries and resulted in substantial medical expenses.

The incident, reported by TMZ.com, occurred on Feb. 5, 2023, on San Vicente Boulevard in Los Angeles. Initial reports suggested that Flickinger had turned left into Schwarzenegger’s path and the actor didn’t have time to stop, but the lawsuit, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, claims that the actor, known for his roles in Kindergarten Cop and as the Terminator, was driving at an excessive speed and failed to exercise proper caution when he collided with and seriously injured Flickinger.

Flickinger is seeking damages, with the exact amount yet to be determined, but it includes compensation for various aspects such as past and future pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, healthcare expenses, incidental expenses, and household services.

At the time of the incident in February, TMZ reported that local authorities and three eyewitnesses indicated that Flickinger had suddenly swerved into Schwarzenegger’s lane, and the actor was not driving at an excessive speed. An LAPD officer confirmed that “no crime was committed.”

Immediately after the accident, apparently Flickinger reported experiencing pain, although her injuries were initially described as “minor.”

In a seemingly amicable gesture, Schwarzenegger took Flickinger’s damaged bicycle to a local bike shop for repairs following the collision.

Despite this collision and the subsequent lawsuit, Schwarzenegger, known for his bodybuilding, acting, and political career, has been a known enthusiast of cycling. He has expressed a desire to “bicycle all over the world” and has been seen riding with climate activist Greta Thunberg in Santa Monica and other political dignitaries.

Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger was spotted filling in pot holes on a neighbourhood street. “Today, after the whole neighborhood has been upset about this giant pothole that’s been screwing up cars and bicycles for weeks, I went out with my team and fixed it,” he wrote, in a social media post. “I always say, let’s not complain, let’s do something about it. Here you go.”