Motorcyclist Killed in Early Morning Fillmore Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a Fillmore personal injury lawyer. A multi-vehicle accident on March 31, just before sunrise, ended in the death of a motorcycle rider. The crash temporarily narrowed Highway 126 eastbound traffic down to one lane, causing delays for morning commuters.
What Happened
According to a representative of the California Highway Patrol, four vehicles were involved in the crash. The accident occurred at about 5:54 a.m. along Highway 126 where it intersects with Cavin Road, an area that is largely agricultural. Allegedly, another vehicle heading westbound crossed in front of the motorcycle, causing it to hit the rear of the vehicle. Police reports indicate the motorcyclist was thrown onto the roadway after the collision, where he was struck by two additional vehicles. The 44-year-old Fillmore motorcyclist died at the accident scene. At the time of this report, no further information is available.
Ongoing Investigation
Representatives of the California Department of Transportation, fire department and a medical examiner from Ventura County responded to the scene of the crash. All four vehicles were towed as evidence in the ongoing investigation into the accident. This accident is the second reported in a 24-hour period in Ventura County in March, following the deaths of two men in Thousand Oaks on Thursday.
Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the roads because of their lower visibility and lack of protection in a collision against a larger vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were 4,693 motorcyclist fatalities in 2015, which accounted for 13 percent of deaths in motor vehicle accidents. Forty-one percent of those fatal crashes occurred in collisions with a single vehicle, while the remainder of the fatalities were involved in multiple-vehicle accidents.
Responsibility of Motor Vehicle Drivers
A motorcyclist has the responsibility to stay as safe as possible by wearing protective gear, a helmet to prevent head injuries and follow safety rules. However, drivers of motor vehicles also carry the responsibility to exercise caution when driving near a motorcyclist. Keeping an eye out for motorcyclists, using signals when changing lanes or turning, allowing a greater distance between a vehicle and a motorcycle, allowing a full-lane width to a motorcyclist to allow maneuvering and respecting a motorcyclist’s right to be on the road is a good start.
Fillmore Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Fillmore personal injury lawyer. When you have lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, please call me locally at (805) 372-0200 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You also have the option to send me basic information about your accident using my contact page, and I’ll get back to you promptly.
Since I began practicing in 1982, I’ve helped clients receive maximum compensation for their personal injuries, including wrongful death.
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Sources: http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2017/03/31/fatality-reported-collision-hwy-126/99862776/; http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2017/03/31/fatality-reported-collision-hwy-126/99862776/
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