Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Atwater Boulevard
Officials reported a fatal motorcycle crash on Atwater Boulevard on the night of Sunday, February 6, 2022. The incident took place shortly before 8:20 p.m. at Bert Crane Road and Atwater Boulevard.
Details on the Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Atwater Boulevard
Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a report of a motorcycle accident in the Atwater area. Upon the arrival of authorities and first responders, the motorcyclist was declared deceased at the scene of the traffic collision. Officials indicated that the Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office is in the process of identifying the male adult motorcycle rider.
A preliminary report by CHP traffic officers revealed that a man was riding a 2001 Kawasaki K1000 motorcycle. He was reportedly traveling westbound on Atwater Boulevard when, for unknown reasons, his bike allegedly veered off the roadway near the intersection and collided with a rock. The impact of the collision reportedly propelled the motorcycle and the motorcyclist into the air. This allegedly caused the rider to strike a metal signpost that caused significant damage to his helmet and, thus, severe head trauma. The cause of the fatal motorcycle accident is under investigation by officials.
Who is Responsible for a Motorcycle Accident Resulting in Wrongful Death?
Suddenly losing someone you love in a motorcycle crash may be devastating and heartbreaking, to say the least. It may be even more challenging to come to terms with when it is assumed to be the result of rider error. However, that is not always the case, as a fatal motorcycle accident may result from other contributing factors. An independent investigation carried out by an experienced Atwater wrongful death attorney and their team of expert witnesses may determine other reasons for the fatal incident, including:
- Hit-and-Run Accident: A motor vehicle collision caused by a hit-and-run driver is not uncommon in the state of California, and Atwater is no exception. A 2019 report by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) revealed that approximately 141 hit-and-run crashes occurred in Merced County that year. With this information in mind, it is essential for an accident attorney to conduct an independent investigation of a fatal motorcycle wreck to determine whether another vehicle may have made contact with the bike and caused the motorcyclist to lose control or crash. When this is the case, the motorcycle involved in the incident should be kept and preserved for a lawyer and their team of experts to examine to conclude whether a hit-and-run driver was involved through evidence such as paint transfer and point of impact. An attorney may also look into whether the deceased motorcyclist’s UM coverage may come into play for the hit-and-run accident case.
- Road Defect: Without a doubt, the roads in California can be rough and bumpy. This may present unique dangers to any motorcyclist on the roadway as something as simple as a pothole may cause significant damage and traumatic injuries. In some extreme cases, they may lead to a motorcycle crash resulting in a loss of life. When this is the case, a government entity may be held liable for a road defect that was proven through clear and compelling evidence to be a contributing factor to a fatal incident. Keep in mind that a notice of claim must be filed no later than six months from the date of loss, as outlined in California Government Code Section 911.2. Since evidence may be lost or destroyed over time, it is essential to retain legal counsel that can head to the scene of the crash, photograph any defects in the road, and work with expert witnesses such as an accident reconstruction expert to determine whether unsafe road design or lack of maintenance contributed to the wreck.
- Faulty Motorcycle Parts: Manufacturing defects in the parts and components of a motorcycle may play a role in a crash. In the event that this occurs, an auto products liability claim may be brought against the manufacturer of the motorcycle for damages incurred. Before this can be done, the motorcycle must be evaluated by an accident reconstruction expert to determine whether a fault in the parts or components of the bike may have contributed to the incident. Conversely, a defective motorcycle helmet may also lead to a products liability claim if the helmet fails to provide sufficient protection and results in an exacerbation of injuries.
When you have lost a loved one in a wreck, you need the best Atwater motorcycle accident attorney to represent you and your family. Unlike the other side and their insurance company, your family can depend on your lawyer to work towards a favorable resolution on your behalf. For information on how to select a top-rated attorney to handle your wrongful death claim, watch this video.
Types of Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
As a surviving family member that meets the criteria of the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. These may include costs of funeral services, loss of future financial support, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and more. Recovering such losses is not always straightforward as liability and damages in the case may be disputed by at-fault parties and their insurers.
When faced with such a situation, it is essential to retain legal counsel with years of experience handling cases like yours. You can depend on one of our experienced lawyers at AutoAccident.com to protect your rights and interests throughout the process. Since our law firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, your family does not have to worry about paying for our services. A fee for legal representation will only be due if we obtain a successful resolution in your case. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Atwater
I’m Ed Smith, an Atwater personal injury lawyer. Losing someone you love in an unexpected motorcycle accident may be challenging and devastating. At our law firm, we can determine whether other contributing factors were involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of your loved one. Get started today by giving us a call to set up a meeting with one of our attorneys for free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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