[08-06-2024] San Luis Obispo County, CA – Rider Killed, Driver Injured Following Motorcycle Vs. Vehicle Crash in Avila Beach

A rider was killed while the driver was injured following a motorcycle vs. vehicle crash in Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County, on Tuesday evening, August 6, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Avila Beach Drive and First Street.

Officers said a 58-year-old Arroyo Grande resident was riding a 1992 Harley Davidson eastbound on Avila Beach Drive. At the same time, a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 29-year-old Santa Maria resident was turning left onto the same roadway from First Street.

The motorcyclist approached the intersection, which was controlled by a traffic signal, at an unknown speed and entered directly in front of the Chevy, resulting in a collision. The rider reportedly got ejected from his seat and into the ground.

Medical responders transported the rider to Adventist Health Sierra Vista Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately 45 minutes after arriving. The Chevy driver, meanwhile, sustained minor injuries. Neither of the two parties involved has been named yet.

As per the CHP, there is no indication yet that confirms or denies that impairment contributed to the accident. The official cause of the collision is still under investigation.

No further information is immediately available.

Consult With Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In San Luis Obispo County

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in San Luis Obispo County, you might be entitled to compensation. Our San Luis Obispo County injury law firm is here to help you!

During your free initial consultation, you can openly discuss your claim with our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq. We will help you with the necessary procedures and consider additional details affecting the settlement offer.

Seek advice from our experienced San Luis Obispo County motorcycle accident attorneys, who will secure compensation for your injuries or effectively represent you in court proceedings if necessary. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million for California clients.

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

Steps to Take After A San Luis Obispo County Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, you might feel confused and unsure, with lots of important questions. Whatever the situation, know that you can speak with one of our California motorcycle accident lawyers immediately about your injuries and the damage to your belongings. It is beneficial to consult a legal expert as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of an accident involving a motorcycle, the following steps may help you:

1. Check yourself for injuries before checking on others. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. If possible, pull over to the side of the road or another safe area while waiting for the authorities.
3. Do not admit fault. This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following a vehicular accident. Do your best to stay calm.
4. Do not settle your case with the other driver. It is essential to report your accident to the police so that there will be an official record.
5. Collect as much relevant information as possible, such as the other driver’s name and insurer.
6. Take photos of any relevant evidence that can help build your case.
7. Organize all accident-related documents and information in a folder.
8. Discuss your vehicle accident with one of our reliable California motorcycle accident lawyers. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. Our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.

If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps on calling you about the accident, our California motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to fatalities and severe injuries because they are not as protected as drivers of other vehicles. Despite this, they remain prevalent, as they are highly accessible and can give their riders a sense of freedom.

However, compared to car passengers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that they are 16 times more prone to injury and 35 times more likely to die. In 2021, the fatality rate for motorcyclists was almost 24 times that of a regular passenger car occupant per vehicle mile traveled.

Furthermore, due to how accessible motorcycles are, many are tempted to use them even without the proper skills to do so. The NHTSA suggests that 36% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2021 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.

According to the latest Transportation Injury Mapping System data, 71 motorcycle-based crashes resulted in injuries or fatalities in San Luis Obispo County in 2023.