Motorcycle Rider Dies After Collision With Tree on Birdcage Street
An accident fatality occurred in Citrus Heights on June 21 when a motorcyclist hit a tree attempting to avoid a collision with another vehicle. Officers with the Citrus Heights Police Department reported that the collision happened at about 8:05 p.m along Birdcage Street close to Greenback Lane. The rider was heading north and suddenly swerved when another vehicle turned in front of his motorcycle, went off the road and crashed head-on into a tree.
Roseville Resident Dies in Motorcycle Crash
The rider was identified as a Roseville resident, age 34, and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the police report, the other vehicle driver remained at the scene of the accident fatality and cooperated with the police in their investigation. Neither impairment nor speed appeared to be factors in the accident.
Causes of a Motorcycle Accident Fatality With a Passenger Vehicle
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries and fatalities when riders are involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. Some of the most common ways these collisions occur are as follows:
- The driver of a motor vehicle turns in front of the motorcyclist, causing an accident fatality. This is the most common reason for the death or serious injury of a motorcycle rider. In some instances, the motorist misjudges the speed and distance of the rider. In others, the driver believes they can turn without hitting the motorcycle. However, it is hard to tell the distance and speed of a vehicle coming toward you, and this driver error often causes an accident fatality.
- Distracted driving is another common cause of a motorcycle accident fatality. The driver of a passenger vehicle who is texting, talking on the phone or adjusting their radio obviously doesn’t have their eyes on the road. Even a moment of looking away is enough to cause a serious collision.
- Stopping short is another major cause of a motorcycle accident fatality. These types of collisions often happen at intersections or on freeways when the driver up ahead suddenly stops. A motorcyclist traveling behind them can end up crashing into the rear of the car, which often causes the rider to be ejected.
- Government negligence can cause a motorcycle accident death. This happens when poor maintenance such as subpar lighting, potholes, gravel, and debris are unattended. When a government agency is the cause of an injury or accident fatality, a claim may be filed for compensation. However, the timeline is much shorter, and enlisting the help of an injury attorney is a good idea.
Filing a Claim for Wrongful Death
When someone you loved is lost to you because of a negligent driver, the family might be able to file a claim for wrongful death. Although it won’t help ease the grief the family members feel, it can help them avoid the financial stress and bring a sense of closure. Areas where the family can recover damages include:
- Expenses for the funeral and burial
- Wages the deceased would have earned until their time of retirement
- Loss of consortium can be claimed by the spouse along with the emotional support and affection they received from the decedent
- Children in the family can be awarded damages for the loss of guidance and nurturing by their parent
Citrus Heights Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith. I am a Citrus Heights wrongful death lawyer here to offer you free and friendly advice if you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident. If you are interested in knowing whether you or your family can file a claim, contact me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can reach me online too. Since 1982, we’ve helped many Citrus Heights residents obtain compensation for their motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, traffic accident collisions, product liability claims and others.
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Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
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