[05-28-2023] Santa Cruz County, CA – 54-Year-Old Motorcyclist Dies Following Motorcycle vs. Car Crash on Highway 129

A 54-year-old motorcyclist man tragically died after colliding with a car on Highway 129 in Santa Cruz County on Sunday night, May 28, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 7:36 p.m. on Highway 129, east of Murphy Road.

The motorcyclist was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle on Highway 129 when a 2009 Toyota Corolla traveling in the opposite direction collided with the motorcycle.

The exact cause of the collision between the Toyota and the Harley-Davidson remains unknown. The man sustained serious injuries and was promptly taken to Natividad Medical Center, where he tragically passed away due to his injuries.

According to the CHP report, the driver and passenger of the Toyota Corolla were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The investigation is ongoing.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Santa Cruz County

Motorcycle accident victims endure physical and psychological hardships. In addition to medical expenses, the impact of lost productivity should also be considered. You may be eligible for compensation if you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident. In state-level civil courts, legal professionals decide on settlement amounts.

During the free consultation, a lawyer will evaluate your case, outline the following steps, and consider all factors influencing the settlement offer.

You can rely on our most trusted Santa Cruz County motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million for California clients.

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 Motorcycle Accident

Experiencing the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident is an extremely challenging and emotional period for the grieving family. During this difficult time, the family must take specific actions to safeguard their rights, seek support, and navigate the legal process. By understanding the steps to take after a motorcycle accident resulting in a fatality, the family can ensure they are on the path to obtaining justice and financial stability. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Seek emotional support: Reach out to loved ones and support groups who can provide comfort during this challenging time.
• Report the accident: Notify the authorities promptly to create an official record of the incident.
• Preserve evidence: Gather and preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as photographs, witness statements, and medical records.
• Consult with a wrongful death attorney: Seek legal guidance from an attorney experienced in handling criminal death cases to understand your rights and explore potential legal actions.
• Notify insurance companies: Inform relevant insurance companies about the accident and initiate the claims process to seek appropriate compensation.
• Document expenses: Keep track of all expenses incurred due to the accident, including medical bills, funeral costs, and other related expenses.
• Review life insurance policies: Determine if any applicable policies can provide financial support during this challenging time.
• Explore financial assistance options: Consider seeking financial assistance from victim compensation funds or charitable organizations supporting families affected by such accidents.
• Work with your attorney: Collaborate closely with your attorney to handle all legal matters, including filing a wrongful death claim and pursuing the appropriate legal actions.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The main data source for this analysis was the California Enhanced Motorcycle Collision Data Project, a collaborative effort between UC Berkeley and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The project aimed to gather additional information beyond what is typically collected during law enforcement investigations of motorcycle traffic collisions in California.

The data set included details such as the driver’s license status, lane-splitting behavior, characteristics of the motorcycle and rider, helmet usage, injury severity, and more.

A total of 7,836 motorcycle collisions involving 8,262 riders were included in the project’s comprehensive database. For this analysis, the focus was on 5,969 motorcyclist supplemental forms, specifically examining crashes that fell within the jurisdiction of the CHP.