Tracy Motorcyclist Fatality
A Tracy motorcyclist fatality occurred on January 6 along Interstate 580 between Tracy and Livermore. It was reported that more than one vehicle may have been involved in the motorcycle accident. The incident occurred near the exit for Grant Line Road where a man was ejected from his 2018 Harley Davidson bike and onto the roadway. Sadly, he was struck by an oncoming vehicle and suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as 21-year-old Cristo Arnold Alvarez Garcia of Livermore. Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with those mourning the loss of their loved one during this difficult time.
Investigation of the Tracy Motorcyclist Fatality
The motorcycle accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to determine an exact cause to place liability. Initial reports indicated the motorcyclist may have been struck by an SUV that drove away from the scene. However, investigators have yet to confirm that occurrence. Moreover, the other driver who hit the fallen biker after the first collision remained at the scene and cooperated with officials.
Common Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents
A collision between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle can happen in the blink of an eye. However, the consequences can last a lifetime. As a motorcyclist, understanding the common reasons for motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them can help reduce your chances of serious injury or death. These include:
- Collisions with Fixed Objects: Fatalities in an accident involving a fixed object are higher among motorcyclists when compared to motor vehicles. This is due to the lack of physical protection the bike provides a rider.
- Lane Splitting: Motorcyclists riding between two lanes face a higher risk of a collision. This is due to nearby vehicles, reduced space for maneuvering, and lack of anticipation by motor vehicle drivers for bikers passing them in stopped or slowed traffic.
- Left-Turn Crashes: Motorists often do not check for motorcycle riders when making left-hand turns. When this happens, it can result in a severe collision for the biker involved.
- Road Defects: Since motorcycles are smaller and less stable than a motor vehicle, potholes, slick roads, uneven lane heights, and other roadway hazards pose a higher threat. When a road defect contributes to a motorcycle accident, a claim may be filed against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road. These types of claims must be filed within six months or 180 days from the date of loss.
- Speeding: Since a motorcycle does not provide a rider with much protection, a collision involving speeding has a greater likelihood of resulting in a severe injury or fatality.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
When a loved one is lost in a motorcycle accident, surviving family members of the decedent may turn to a wrongful death claim to recover damages incurred. These may include medical expenses incurred by the decedent before his or her passing, costs of a funeral and burial, loss of future income for the household, lost benefits such as pension or health insurance, and more. To learn which family members may be eligible to file these claims, watch the following YouTube video.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
The loss of someone you love can be extremely difficult. It can create an immense amount of sorrow and grief as you try to cope with the loss. These feelings can be compounded when the loss is caused by another party or entity’s negligence. When this happens, a family should seek assistance from an experienced wrongful death attorney in Tracy. An experienced attorney puts care, listening, and compassion first when working with a family and guiding them through the legal complexities of a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can bring a loved one back, filing a claim for wrongful death can allow a family to focus on their emotional needs without financial worry.
Tracy Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy motorcycle accident lawyer. Any instance of wrongful death in a motorcycle accident is a devastating, life-changing situation for all involved, especially the family. If you or your family have lost someone you love in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another party or entity, I am truly sorry for your loss. You are welcome to call me anytime for compassionate, free and friendly legal advice at (209) 227-1931 in the Tracy area or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
Browse our client ratings and reviews on the following pages:
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates as a member of California. This forum is comprised of members who have won $1 million for a client through a case verdict or settlement. In recognition of my legal excellence, I have been inducted into the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Learn more about our law firm and our past case resolutions on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Tracy Motorcyclist Fatality: AutoAccident.com
Image Credit: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay / Tracy Motorcyclist Fatality
:ds llo [cs 842] cv