I’m Ed Smith, a Turlock bicycle accident lawyer. A bicyclist was struck and killed in Turlock on Wednesday, May 17, by a driver of a Chevy Silverado.
My prayers and sympathy in this time of tragic loss are with the family of the deceased.
What Happened
The accident happened about 7:00 in the morning along East Avenue when the bicycle rider, identified as 30-year-old Nathan Miller from Denair, was riding his bike east. The vehicle that struck him was a 2016 Silverado, with 34-year-old Chad Russell driving. Russell was proceeding behind the cyclist when his vehicle struck the bike rider for reasons that are unknown.
Accident Aftermath
In a preliminary investigation of the crash, police determined that the Silverado was traveling about 2 miles above the speed limit when the accident happened. The impact with the bicyclist caused Miller to have fatal injuries, and he was reported to have been wearing a safety helmet at the time of the crash. At the accident scene, his body was covered with an American flag.
Investigation in Progress
Following the accident, traffic was closed to eastbound traffic and diverted to Vincent and Santa Fe Avenue so the accident scene could be investigated. According to authorities, it is expected that Russell will be held liable.
Bicycle Accident Statistics for Turlock
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the residents of Turlock saw 423 injuries and fatalities related to motor vehicle accidents in 2014. Thirty-three of the victims were bicyclists, and out of that number, five were 15 years old or younger. Outside of accidents between motor vehicles, this was the highest number among other types of accidents, including motorcycles and pedestrians. In 66 percent of the accidents, speed was determined to be a factor. Countywide, there were 177 accidents involving bicyclists, with 26 of those injured or killed being 15 years old or younger.
Bicycle Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in devastating injuries because of the vulnerability of the cyclist as opposed to a motor vehicle. Although wearing a helmet is not required for those over 18 years of age in California, a safety helmet helps protect the head and brain from injuries in less serious accidents than the one above. Other injuries may range from abdominal trauma to spinal cord injury and hip fractures. When an accident has been caused by the negligence of a driver, the surviving family of the deceased may want to seek a wrongful death suit to recover damages, which not only compensates the family financially but discourages irresponsible behavior by motorists.
Turlock Bicycle Accident & Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Turlock biycle accident lawyer. If a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle has caused your injury or that of a loved one, call me at (209) 227-1931 for free and friendly advice. I am also available through this toll-free number at (800) 404-5400. I have worked as a California wrongful death and personal injury attorney, defending the rights of the injured since 1982.
See reviews of my law firm’s work at these sites: Avvo, Yelp and Google. Under the listings for Past Verdicts and Settlements, you can see how I have helped some of my former clients.
I’m a member of the forum, Million Dollar Advocates, which limits membership to trial attorneys who have shown settlements or case verdicts of at least $1 million.
Photo Attribution: cycling-655565_1920.jp
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