[03-15-2024] Santa Cruz County, CA – 57-Year-Old Man Killed Following Bicycle vs. Vehicle Collision in Watsonville

A 57-year-old man was killed following a bicycle vs. vehicle collision in Watsonville early Friday afternoon, March 15, 2024.

According to the Watsonville Police Department, the fatal incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. on Main Street near Rodriguez Street.

A 31-year-old man was driving his Toyota sedan when he veered off the roadway and struck a 57-year-old male riding a bike. Reports indicate the cyclist did not commit any traffic violations.

The victim was transported to a nearby trauma center, where he was later pronounced dead. The Toyota driver remained after the collision and cooperated with the authorities.

Officers are currently conducting further investigations into the fatal collision.

Respected Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County

Injuries and losses caused by bicycle accidents can be compensated, and Arash Law can provide you with assistance. Our injury lawyers will assist injured victims or the deceased’s family in filing a claim against negligent parties for their medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses.

Seek legal advice from our respected Santa Cruz County bicycle accident attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court if necessary. We have recovered more than $750 Million for clients and are widely acknowledged for our success and reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After a Watsonville Bicycle Accident

If you were riding a bicycle before being struck by a car, you must ensure you are safe. Afterward, it is important to protect your health and legal rights. By taking the following actions, you can ensure you receive the payment you are entitled to:

1. Move to Safety. Getting into a crash while riding a bicycle can leave you feeling shaken and disoriented. Immediately move to a safe location, if possible. By relocating to the side of the road, you can help prevent further accidents.
2. Get Immediate Medical Attention. Your adrenaline rush might initially mask the pain from your injuries. To prevent further complications, make a quick body assessment to identify any bleeding, fractures, sprains, lacerations, or bruised limbs and joints. This will also help you communicate with emergency personnel when they inquire about your condition.
3. Contact the Authorities. Once everyone’s safety is confirmed, alert your local law enforcement authorities. This step is essential, regardless of the severity of the accident. A police report serves as an unbiased third-party account of the incident, which can be useful when dealing with insurance agencies and the courts.
4. Document the Events Leading to the Accident. Capture every angle of the accident scene and jot down the details of the incident. Cover the “who, what, where, when, and how” aspects. If the vehicle responsible for the accident is nearby, ensure you record its license plate number. Identify the driver if possible. Police reports, legal representation, and insurance company discussions will benefit from this data.
5. Identify All Witnesses. Keep a mental note of your location and whether there were any witnesses. If people came to your aid or were in the area, engage them in conversation. Ask about what they observed, get their names and contact details, and consent to be contacted for further assistance. It can be helpful for law enforcement, legal matters, or insurance interactions.
6. Call Our Bicycle Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391. Speak to our bicycle accident lawyers in California to discuss your incident without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 966 motor vehicle incidents in 2021 resulted in the deaths of bikers. There was an increase of 1.9% in the number of cycling deaths compared to the 948 fatalities reported in 2020.

It has been reported that highway fatalities and serious injuries have increased since 2012. Bicycle traffic fatalities have increased by 37% within the last 10 years, but nonfatal injuries have decreased by 44%.

The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) develops education and prevention programs for road safety. The OTS allocated 93.7 million dollars for 415 traffic safety grants in 2021, designed to improve the infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians.

Arash Law also encourages cyclists to practice safety while on the road and for other motorists to be cautious when driving around people on their bicycles.