[09-27-2024] Santa Cruz County, CA – Woman Dies After Being Struck by Electric Bicyclist on Opal Cliff Drive

An 82-year-old woman identified as Helen H. died in the hospital after being hit by a man on an electric bicycle in Santa Cruz on Friday morning, September 27, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 5:50 a.m. on Opal Cliff Drive, east of Court Drive.

An 80-year-old man from Santa Cruz was riding his e-bike on the right shoulder of Opal Cliff Drive at an unknown speed when the incident took place. The woman was walking east of the bicyclist.

Authorities stated that for an unknown reason, the two collided, resulting in the pedestrian suffering major injuries. She was airlifted to Valley Medical Center but later succumbed to her injuries.

The man on the electric bicycle was also injured and transported to Dominican Hospital by ground ambulance.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but CHP has stated that drugs and alcohol are not suspected factors at this time.

Call Our Renowned Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Santa Cruz, CA

California law guarantees equal rights to pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and passengers. In case of an accident, the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one can obtain maximum compensation by working with a personal injury lawyer from our firm.

Our legal team will guide you during your free consultation. They will consider all relevant factors that may influence the settlement offer, and the details of your case will be thoroughly explored.

You can rely on the legal advice of our dedicated Santa Cruz pedestrian accident lawyers at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq.’s direction, to provide sound legal advice with your insurance claim or to represent you in court proceedings.

Our firm has recovered over $500 Million for California clients and is widely acknowledged for its 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.

Actions To Take After A Pedestrian Accident In Santa Cruz County

When you are injured in a vehicle crash, it can be difficult to think clearly. However, the things you say and do at the scene might have a substantial impact on the result of your claim against the entity responsible for the accident. These suggestions might assist you in preventing any actions that could potentially diminish the worth of your personal injury claim:

1. Contact the authorities immediately when the accident happens and make sure an officer generates an accident report.
2. Capture images of your wounds, the location, damage to property, the weather conditions, the condition of the road, and the vehicle that collided with you.
3. Capture images of the responsible driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate.
4. Obtain the names and contact details of all individuals who witnessed the incident or might have observed any relevant information.
5. Seek medical attention promptly and inform a healthcare provider about all areas of your body that are affected.
6. Maintain a record of your injuries and the process of recovery in a notebook, documenting your emotions, the medical care you receive, and the expenses you incur.
7. Refrain from communicating with the insurance adjuster or agreeing to a settlement proposal until you consult with a knowledgeable attorney. Furthermore, avoid admitting fault. This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following any vehicular accident.
8. Avoid using social media and refrain from sharing any information about your accident or its details.
9. Get in touch with our pedestrian accident attorneys in California promptly to talk about your situation. 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 pedestrian accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

The number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities remains high in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522 pedestrians were killed, and an estimated 67,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide in 2022.

That said, this concerning rate of pedestrian accidents isn’t because of the government’s lack of effort in resolving it. The California Department of Transportation is building more roundabouts, and the Office of Traffic Safety is funding pedestrian assessments in cities with high collision rates. Furthermore, education about pedestrian safety has seen a 40% increase in funding over the past three years.

There can be tragic consequences when motorists fail to yield to pedestrians or brake too abruptly, resulting in deaths and injuries. It is best to consult an experienced legal professional if you plan on taking legal action.