Motorcyclist Collides With Tractor-Trailer on Lake Herman Road
A motorcyclist fatality following a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer occurred on October 8, following two other Solano County deaths on October 5. The motorcyclist who died in the collision was identified by the Solano County Coroner’s Office as Blake Webber, a Benicia resident, age 23. Authorities with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the motorcyclist was speeding along Lake Herman Road, missed negotiating a curve, and passed into the lane going westbound where it collided with the tractor-trailer around 11:15 a.m.
Fairfield Residents Killed in Accident Earlier in the Week
Earlier in the week, Francisco Rodriguez, age 55, and Susanne Johnson, age 46, and both Fairfield residents, were killed when their vehicle exited Mankas Corner Road and struck a power pole. Both of the fatal accidents are being investigated by the CHP to discover if drugs or alcohol factored into the crashes. Those with information about either fatal accident can phone (800) 835-5247 or (707) 639-5600 at the Solano area office of the CHP.
Causes of a Motorcycle Accident Other Than Rider Error
There are several causes of motorcycle and other accidents that don’t include rider error. If the motorcyclist’s fatality resulted from one of these causes, the family might be able to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. These reasons include the following:
- Poor road maintenance: This is one of the most common non-rider errors that cause motorcycle accidents. Potholes, uneven pavement and other road hazards can easily throw a rider off balance and cause a fatal accident. The family may file a claim against the government entity in charge of maintaining the roadway. Because the time limit for filing is only six months from when the accident happened, getting help from an injury lawyer may be a good idea.
- Defective motorcycle part: Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is a defective bike. This can include anything from faulty brakes to problems with the engine or tires. If a rider is not aware of these issues, it can easily cause them to lose control and lead to a motorcyclist fatality accident. In these cases, a product liability claim may be filed against the manufacturer, parts designer and others. Retaining the motorcycle so it can be examined for defects is important for engineers to detect a possible mechanical problem in the bike.
- Medical misdiagnosis or wrong prescription: When a physician misdiagnoses a condition or the patient is given the wrong prescription or dosage, it may lead to a motorcyclist fatality accident. The physician or pharmacist, depending on who made the error, may be held liable by filing a medical malpractice claim.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
If your loved one died in a motorcyclist fatality accident that was because of another’s negligence, your family might be able to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. A Benicia wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your rights, review your case to see if your family can file a claim, answer your questions and let you know what options to recover damages are available to you. Your consultation is free, and you owe nothing unless your case is won.
Wrongful Death Lawyers in Benicia
I’m Ed Smith, and I am a Benicia wrongful death lawyer. For free and friendly advice on if your family can recover compensation after the death of a loved one, we are here to help you. If you would like to speak with us, please call (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach us online using our form.
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Photo attribution: Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay
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