Riverbank Bicycle Accident Fatality
A Riverbank bicycle accident fatality occurred on the morning of April 4th along Claus Road in the vicinity of California Street. A man was riding his bicycle in the area shortly before 11:30 a.m. A driver of an unidentified vehicle was heading north along Claus Road when his car drifted off the roadway and collided with the cyclist. Sadly, the man riding the bicycle succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He has been identified by officials as 70-year-old Jack Douglas Higgs of Modesto. Our thoughts and prayers are with those mourning the loss of their loved one during this difficult time.
Accident Investigation
A news release from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department said the driver of the vehicle involved in the bicycle accident was arrested on several charges. These included driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, among another charge in a separate case. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on $102,000 bail.
Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions
Most fatal bicycle collisions often involve a car heading in the same direction as the cyclist and crashing into them from behind. Other common causes of these crashes include:
- Broadside Accidents: Drivers are expected to leave at least three feet of space between their vehicles and cyclists while passing. However, some drivers may attempt to overtake a cyclist unsafely, which can cause the cyclist to get run off the road or a broadside collision.
- Dooring: A driver may sometimes forget to look for people riding their bicycles before opening their doors in their parked vehicle. Since the bicycle lane is adjacent to the parking lane on many streets without much space in between, this can increase the chances of a cyclist crashing into a door opening in their path.
- Intersections: A motorist may fail to yield to a person riding a bike or stop at an intersection, causing serious injuries or even death for the cyclist.
- Left-Hand Turns: Drivers in California must check for and yield to cars and cyclists traveling from the opposite direction before making a left-hand turn. However, a driver may sometimes fail to check for an oncoming cyclist and crash into them while turning left.
Common Injuries in a Bicycle Crash
Bicycles have no chance against the massive size, weight, and speed of vehicles. This is due to the lack of physical protection a bike offers. When a cyclist is involved in a collision with a car, they are likely to suffer a wide array of serious injuries. These include abdominal trauma, cervical sprain, femur fractures, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. In some extreme cases, these crashes may claim the life of a cyclist.
Recoverable Damages in a Riverbank Bicycle Accident Fatality
With little more than a helmet for protection, cyclists often do not survive crashes with vehicles. When these incidents are caused by the fault of someone else, the surviving family members of the deceased cyclist may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for the loss of life itself. These types of cases also seek damages for a loved one’s end-of-life medical care and funeral and burial expenses, as well as for the loss of financial support and household services the decedent would have provided to the family had the fatal accident not occurred. Since coping with the aftermath of a loved one’s death is not always easy, having an experienced Modesto wrongful death attorney at your side is essential. A lawyer can help handle your case with compassion and care while pursuing fair compensation on your family’s behalf.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles often leave those riding bikes with severe or even fatal injuries. If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one in an accident due to the negligence of another, call me anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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