Modesto Bicycle Accident Fatally Injures Man
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. Recently, a man suffered fatal injuries after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Modesto. At approximately 9:00 in the evening, a 57-year-old man was driving his vehicle westbound along Briggsmore Avenue in the vicinity of College Avenue when a bicyclist reportedly entered the intersection. For unknown reasons, the driver’s vehicle struck the bicyclist, leaving the rider with serious injuries. The bicyclist was transported via ambulance to an area hospital where he, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries. The victim’s identity has been released by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office as 60-year-old Jay Diaz.
I would like to extend my condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Diaz during this heart-wrenching time.
Accident Investigation
Local authorities have not yet released a cause of the bicycle accident due to pending investigation. The driver remained at the scene and was reported as cooperative with investigators. Officials do not believe that alcohol or drugs played as factors in the collision.
Bicycle Safety Tips
Riding a bicycle is a great way of having fun and getting exercise. However, bicyclists should exercise safety precautions while riding to reduce their chances of a bicycle accident. These safety tips include:
- Remember to ride your bike with the flow of traffic;
- Adjust your bicycle to properly accommodate your fitting;
- Before turning, make sure to clear an intersection and signal your turn;
- Check your bike equipment before each ride like checking your tire pressure, keeping your chains lubricated and clean and periodically checking that your brakes are in working condition;
- Do not wear earbuds while riding a bike;
- Indicate your presence to oncoming traffic by using lights and reflectors on your bicycle as well as wearing reflective or light-colored clothing during the night;
- Keep an eye for road hazards ahead like puddles, gravel, leaves, broken glass or potholes;
- Obey all traffic laws as if you were a driver on the road;
- Maintain proper control of your bike by riding with both hands on the handlebars and carrying personal belongings in a backpack or bicycle carrier rack;
- Protect your head and body by wearing a helmet and protective clothing;
- Ride in a straight line and never weave in and out of traffic;
- Watch for parked vehicles and keep a safe distance from the curb to avoid the unexpected like cars pulling out or doors opening.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Drivers are also responsible for bicyclist safety. Some of the tips a driver needs to follow are:
- Allow a safe distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist when driving as a rider may enter the road for any given reason;
- Be patient with cyclists and avoid aggressive driving at all costs;
- Clear an intersection prior to turning;
- Obey posted speed limits and traffic laws;
- Refrain from texting or talking on a cell phone;
- Remain alert for bicyclists on the road;
- Stay sober when behind the wheel;
- When coming to a stop light or sign, be sure to look over your shoulder to make sure a bicyclist is not in your path while turning.
Common Injuries of Bicycle Accidents
Traumatic injuries are common in bicycle accidents due to a cyclist’s lack of physical protection against a moving vehicle. The types of injuries commonly sustained in these accidents include:
- Abdominal injuries including internal bleeding, organ damage, and other serious complications;
- Brain and head injuries ranging from a concussion to a traumatic brain injury, which can require extensive rehabilitation and time lost from work;
- Chest damage including bruising, fractures and dislocations of the ribs;
- Trauma to the upper and lower extremities caused by bone fractures, lacerations, sprains and road rash;
- Fatality (in some extreme cases).
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Drivers owe a duty of care to others traveling on the road, including bicyclists. When a driver breaches this duty due to error or negligence, that motorist can be held responsible for damages incurred in the accident through a wrongful death claim. These types of claims compensate a family for the loss of their loved one. Compensation can be obtained for such costs as a funeral and burial, end-of-life medical bills, living expenses and other damages related to the death. If a bicycle accident has claimed the life of your loved one, it is important to get into contact with a skilled wrongful death lawyer in Modesto. A lawyer can help a family navigate through the complexities of filing a claim for wrongful death to obtain fair compensation for your loved one’s untimely death.
Modesto Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. The loss of a loved one due to a bicycle accident is devastating, especially when their emotional and financial support is suddenly withdrawn. If the accident occurred as a result of negligence, a wrongful death claim may be brought against a responsible party to help a family move forward without their loved one by their side. When this happens, it is important to contact an experienced attorney. Please feel free to contact me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive compassionate, free and friendly advice.
Since 1982, I have helped families of Modesto and surrounding areas in obtaining fair compensation in their claims of personal injury and wrongful death.
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I am honored to be listed as a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates. We are a nationwide association of trial lawyers with million dollar client verdicts and settlements.
To learn more about our past cases and how they were resolved, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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