Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Avenue 9
Officials in Madera County reported that a motorcyclist was killed in a crash on Avenue 9 on the morning of Tuesday, May 10, 2022. The fatal motorcycle accident was said to have taken place at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Avenue 9 near State Route 99, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Details on the Crash on Avenue 9 That Killed a Motorcyclist
CHP traffic officers responded to a report of a vehicle vs. motorcycle crash on Avenue 9 at Highway 99. Officials indicated that witnesses at the scene reported that a driver of a white sedan exited State Route 99 and drove in the direct path of a motorcyclist that was riding eastbound on Avenue 9.
According to authorities, the motorcycle rider, a 65-year-old man, applied the brakes, veered to the right, and lost control. Officials indicated that the impact caused him to be ejected off the bike, leaving him with serious injuries. The motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officials have recently identified the deceased motorcycle rider as Robert Meza, 65, of Madera. A GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of Mr. Meza and his family.
Authorities said that the driver of the sedan did not stop and continued traveling eastbound on Avenue 9. Those with information on the identity of the driver behind the wheel of the sedan are encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol and request to speak with Officer Javier Ruvalcaba. Authorities have said that the suspect driver may face charges for vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run in connection with the fatal incident.
What to Expect from a Wrongful Death Claim for a Car vs. Motorcycle Crash
While all types of motor vehicle collisions have the potential to result in serious injury or death, those riding motorcycles face even greater risks. That is because motorcyclists are vulnerable in an accident with a motor vehicle because of their lack of physical protection. The unfortunate reality is that a motorcycle rider is likely to suffer some of the most catastrophic injuries on the spectrum, from road rash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Recovering from a crash may be stressful enough, but when dealing with mounting bills for medical treatment and time away from work, it may feel overwhelming trying to get your life back on track. Conversely, when the collision causes a loss of life, it may be painful and devastating for surviving family members left behind to pick up the pieces. This is especially true when the loss was the result of a hit-and-run accident.
Fortunately, those who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in car vs. motorcycle crashes caused by negligent drivers may be eligible for the recovery of economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. This type of case is generally brought against an insurance company representing the party responsible for the collision. While we would expect the insurer to do the right thing and fairly compensate claimants for the undue harm they have experienced because of their insured’s negligence, that is not always the case. Remember that insurance companies are businesses at the end of the day, and their primary focus is to maximize profit margins. To accomplish that, you can expect the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim to question every fact and circumstance of your case. That is why it is a good idea to retain legal counsel to ensure that your family is not taken advantage of in your time of loss and grief.
Given the biases against motorcyclists and conflicting stories from at-fault parties, it is useful to have a Madera wrongful death lawyer with years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases at your side. Your accident attorney will be your loved one’s voice as they will investigate how the incident occurred with the assistance of expert witnesses and their testimony. A lawyer will also work with a private investigator to track down a hit-and-run driver and determine whether uninsured motorist coverage may come into play. From there, they will prove that the other side bears liability for the fatal motorcycle crash. If all attempts at a fair settlement have been exhausted with the insurer, you can depend on your lawyer to take your case to court for a jury or judge to decide an appropriate award. Finding a top attorney to represent your family may be a daunting task as there are many to choose from in Madera County. You can watch the video below for information on the types of qualities you should look for in a lawyer to represent you and your close relatives.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Madera
I’m Ed Smith, a Madera motorcycle accident attorney. When a loved one loses their life in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligent actions, surviving family members may have mixed feelings about bringing a wrongful death claim. Keep in mind that California generally allows survivors two years from the date of loss to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Therefore, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. Do not delay in learning about your rights and options for recovery as a surviving family member. Contact our law firm today to schedule a meeting with one of our compassionate and skilled injury lawyers to discuss your case in detail at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400. When you are ready to tell us your story, we will be here to provide free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation.
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