Update | Fatal Motorcycle Accident Involving Big Rig in Santa Cruz County

Home » Update | Fatal Motorcycle Accident Involving Big Rig in Santa Cruz County
May 12, 2023
Edward Smith

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Santa Cruz County

The California Highway Patrol reported a fatal big rig versus motorcycle crash near Watsonville in Santa Cruz County on the afternoon of Monday, May 8, 2023. The motorcycle collision occurred at around 3:35 p.m. at Coward Road and Carlton Road, close to Interlaken.

Details on Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Santa Cruz County

A preliminary release by CHP traffic officers revealed that a woman was riding a motorcycle southbound on Carlton Road, and a big rig was headed northbound on Carlton Road. The motorcyclist allegedly lost control of the bike, officials said. The biker entered the oncoming traffic lane and was reportedly struck by the tractor-trailer. The driver and passenger in the big rig were uninjured in the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Sadly, the motorcycle rider, 30-year-old San Jose resident Jacqueline Bischof, was pronounced deceased at the crash site. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the Bischof family to assist with funeral service costs. Additional information on the fatal motorcycle crash near Watsonville in Santa Cruz County was unavailable.

Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accident Case

When a loved one is lost in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent or careless motorist, the decedent’s family may have recourse for legal action. This is in the form of a wrongful death action. These are generally brought against the at-fault driver and their insurer. Eligible survivors that meet the criteria set forth in CCP 377.60 may seek reimbursement for non-economic and economic damages. Compensation may include loss of financial support, funeral costs, mental anguish, medical bills (via survival action), loss of companionship, and more.

How Our Law Firm Can Help Your Family

At AutoAccident.com, our legal team handles all aspects of wrongful death or personal injury cases on behalf of our clients. If you select our law office to represent you in your fatal motorcycle crash claim or lawsuit, you can depend on our team of California wrongful death attorneys to:

  • Handle all written and verbal communication with the insurance company and other parties
  • Be available to answer your questions and provide regular updates regarding your case
  • Identify all potentially liable and negligent parties in the fatal motorcycle accident
  • Conduct an independent investigation, collect evidence, and work with experts
  • Build a strong case to present in negotiations to seek a favorable outcome
  • Take the case to civil court if a mutual agreement is not reached

As businesses, insurers are focused on protecting profit margins. Insurance companies will conduct their investigations and resort to defense tactics to reduce the money they must pay in a settlement. Protect your right to full compensation by retaining legal counsel. Learn about our services in this video.

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California

If your family was deprived of a loved one due to a car vs. motorcycle crash, you may hold the responsible motorist accountable for your loss and damages. A skilled California motorcycle accident attorney from AutoAccident.com can help your family by navigating the legal process and building the strongest case possible to obtain full compensation and justice. Our legal team assists motorcyclists who have been injured or families of bikers who have been killed by negligent drivers. We provide free, friendly case advice for those affected by crashes throughout California.

Connect with one of our experienced and compassionate injury attorneys today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Our legal team has represented clients throughout California since 1982. We provide knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate advocacy for those who have been injured or lost loved ones in all types of accidents, including motorcycle crashes. You can learn more about us and our services in a free consultation with a member of our team. We operate on contingency which means that our clients do not owe us anything for legal representation unless we secure a successful result on their behalf.

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