Parma judge has brush with death during bike crash

PARMA, Ohio - Parma Municipal Court Judge Timothy Gilligan credits his bike helmet for saving his life in a crash on Ridge Road Wednesday morning.

"Clearly if I did not have a helmet on, I'd have severe head injuries or be dead," Gilligan said.

The judge was biking to work at the Parma Justice Center at about 7:30 a.m. when an SUV came right at him.

"I went left and locked up my brakes," he said. "According to witness statements, I went about three to five feet in the air."

Police believe the driver of the SUV may have blacked out from a medical condition. She was hospitalized in good condition Wednesday night at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Judge Gilligan landed on his head. He has a separated shoulder, three torn ligaments, and back pain.

"In general I'm beat up," he said. "But I'm lucky to be alive."