[07-23-2022] Santa Cruz County, CA – Motorcyclist Killed in Head-On Collision near Brookdale

According to the California Highway Patrol, a motorcycle crash left one person dead near Ben Lomond on Saturday, July 23, 2022.

The crash occurred Saturday afternoon on Alba Road, east of Western Avenue.

The person who died in the crash was identified as Damian L., 39, of Ben Lomand, and he was driving his 2019 Honda motorcycle eastbound on Alba Road at an unknown speed.

At the same time, a 2021 Toyota 4Runner driven by a 51-year-old woman was traveling west on Alba Road.

For some reason, they both collided head-on, and Lanctot was thrown from his motorcycle. The Toyota’s driver kept going off the road and ran into a tree. She suffered only minor wounds.

According to CHP, drugs and alcohol are not considered contributing factors, but the exact cause of the collision is still unknown.

Investigations into the crash are still ongoing.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcycles are to blame for 11% of all accidents on American roads. In 2018, motorcycle accidents caused 82,000 injuries and 4,985 fatalities.

This is not a shocking statistic considering that motorcyclists have a 16 times higher risk of being hurt or killed in a collision than passengers in enclosed vehicles.

Helmet use can reduce the risk of severe concussions. Motorcycle helmets have a 37% success rate in preventing fatalities. The rest of their bodies could still be in danger despite this.

Unfortunately, there is a high risk of injury or death for Californians who ride motorcycles. California has some of the highest rates of motorcycle ownership and use nationwide. There are more than 800,000 motorcycles on the road. In 2017, there were at least 15,527 motorcycle accidents in California, resulting in 541 fatalities.

Motorcycle accidents frequently result from speeding, driving while intoxicated or recklessly, driving in bad weather, driving the wrong way, and breaking traffic laws.

Santa Cruz County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

After a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident, family members may experience grief and emotional trauma. Some insurance providers might make an effort to reach an agreement with them that is less favorable than what they are owed.

Most insurance companies do little to assist those who have been injured because they want to pay out claims as quickly as possible. To avoid being taken advantage of by these insurance companies, you should discuss your case with a lawyer.

Arash Law’s motorcycle accident lawyers in Santa Cruz County will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident and present all of your options to you.

Our objective is to secure for you the best possible settlement from the negligent party. For a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, contact us at (888) 488-1391. No matter if the consultation is over the phone or in person, it is always free.