Man Killed After Motorcycle Crash in Fresno County
A man was killed after a motorcycle crash in the foothills of Fresno County on the morning of Saturday, July 11, 2020. The incident occurred around 8:13 a.m. on Highway 168 in the vicinity of Indian Camp Road. According to authorities, a rider reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and veered off the roadway. Sadly, he suffered fatal injuries at the scene. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified him as 20-year-old Dustin Letson of Clovis.
Loss of a Loved One
The unexpected death of a close relative in a motorcycle accident is one of the most challenging experiences any family member can undergo in life. The circumstances surrounding the loss and the knowledge that it could have been prevented can compound the grieving process with anger and frustration. For many families, the loss of loved one may also mean the loss of financial support, and without it, it can be challenging for those left behind to make ends meet. When another party or entity is responsible for the fatal crash, they may be held liable for their negligence through a wrongful death case.
Single Motorcycle Accidents and Liability Explained
Some are under the impression that a single motorcycle accident is the result of driver error. However, that is not always the case. Motorcycle crashes are often the result of motorcyclists trying to get out of the way of another car. This may be due to the other vehicle being driven by a driver who is distracted, intoxicated, or engaging in reckless behavior like excessive speeding. In an effort to avoid being struck by a car, a motorcycle rider may be involved in a single motorcycle crash. Other times, a serious or fatal motorcycle collision may be the result of a faulty bike or a road defect. When this happens, the motorcyclist may suffer many types of accident injuries, or lose their life as a result. When a loved one is taken away in a motorcycle accident believed to have been caused by someone else’s negligence, it is essential to speak with an experienced attorney. A lawyer can identify all liable parties and diligently work to recover all damages a family may be entitled to in a wrongful death claim. For more details on these types of cases, watch the video below.
Auto Products Liability Claims for Defective Motorcycles
When a part of a motorcycle or its equipment is found to be unsafe and defective, a safety recall is usually issued by the manufacturer of the bike or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). After a recall has been announced, the manufacturer must notify motorcycle owners of the safety concern and perform necessary remedies.
If motorcycle parts or equipment are hazardous and a safety recall has not been properly issued, or the motorcycle defect causes a collision, there may be a viable auto products liability claim. Injured parties or families of decedents may take legal action against the motorcycle manufacturer for compensation of economic and non-economic damages.
Government Entity Claim for a Fresno County Motorcycle Crash
All motorcyclists have at least had one experience of riding their bike on a bad street before. Riding a motorcycle on roads in poor conditions can be dangerous and lead to an accident. Road defects include poor design and improper maintenance of potholes, uneven pavement, and more. The challenge when seeking compensation from a motorcycle accident caused by a road defect is that there is a government entity involved. Different filing criteria and deadlines apply in such cases as filing a notice of claim within six months or 180 days. As one may expect, the state or city may do anything in their power to avoid paying for a motorcycle crash caused by a road in poor condition. They may dispute liability for the incident and pinpoint blame on the injured or deceased motorcyclist. It is best to leave all legal aspects of a government entity claim to an experienced attorney so you can focus on what matters most during this difficult time: your family and your recovery.
Types of Wrongful Death Compensation in a Fresno County Motorcycle Crash Case
In a wrongful death case, surviving family members may be compensated for their loved one’s end of life medical expenses, funeral and burial services, and lost future financial support, benefits, and household services. A family may also receive compensation for the loss of a loved one’s guidance, care, and protection as well as mental anguish caused as a result of a wrongful death motorcycle accident. Auto products liability cases or government entity claims, particularly those involving wrongful death, can be challenging and time-consuming. That is why you need an experienced wrongful death attorney in Fresno with a proven track record of getting injured motorcyclists and families of deceased riders the compensation and justice they deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcyclists tend to suffer more catastrophic or fatal injuries than occupants of motor vehicles due to their lack of physical protection. If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one after a motorcycle accident in the Fresno County area, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
Learn more about our law firm, past cases we have handled, and what others have to say about working with our Fresno injury attorneys at:
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