Bicycle Accident Fatally Injures Waterford Boy
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. A young boy passed away after reportedly riding his bicycle into an intersection and being hit by a motor vehicle in Stanislaus County on July 24, 2018. The boy, identified as a 9-year-old resident of Waterford, was riding southbound along Tim Bell Road in the vicinity of Yosemite Boulevard and Highway 132 when he was unable to stop his bike from entering the intersection. An oncoming pickup truck was unable to avoid the young bicyclist in its path, which resulted in a severe bicycle accident. Medical personnel were called to the scene to transport the boy to the Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, the boy succumbed to his injuries during hospitalization.
I would like to send my healing thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of the young boy during their time of loss and sorrow.
Accident Investigation
The cause of the bicycle accident has not yet been determined due to an ongoing investigation. According to a spokesman from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, the child was allegedly unable to stop his bike as the road he was riding on was extremely steep. Preliminary reports suggested that there are no traffic control devices along Yosemite Boulevard; however, there are stop signs at the intersection of Tim Bell Road. Officials have not yet released additional details regarding the accident.
Loved One Forever Remembered
The young boy who lost his life in the devastating accident discussed above was a beloved member of his family. He will be forever missed by those who surrounded him for his kind and loving soul. A GoFundMe account has been created to help his family cover his unexpected hospital and funeral expenses and allow time for his family to grieve together during this difficult time.
Bicycle Accidents Caused by Driver Negligence
The accident described above seems to have been a tragic accident. However, many roads in California lack lanes or shoulders for bicyclists to safely ride on. When a cyclist is faced with this issue, this means that they must share the road with other drivers, which can increase their odds of a serious accident. Some of the common causes of crashes between riders and vehicles may include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting or calling on a cell phone)
- Failed to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operating their motor vehicle in a reckless or aggressive manner
- Failed to yield at an intersection
- Speeding
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
It is essential to understand that bicyclists have the same rights as drivers of motor vehicles. For adolescent riders, they are held to a different degree of care which a driver should make sure children are not on the road when proceeding through an intersection. When an individual passes away as an immediate result by the fault of another party or entity in a bicycle accident, then there is a basis for surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the death. The damages that may be recovered in these types of claims involving a minor may include:
- Since a child is not working and has not completed his or her education, the amount of earning potential recovered may be small. If the minor was older and employed at the time of their passing, this may be taken into consideration;
- Medical bills, such as hospital expenses incurred before the minor’s death, may be recovered in a survival action;
- Loss of consortium may be recovered by the parents of the decedent for the loss of love and affection from his or her child.
Modesto Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. Bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers often lead to severe injuries or even death in some extreme cases. If this has happened to you or your loved one, you may need the assistance of an experienced attorney. Please feel free to call me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free and friendly advice.
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