Two bicyclists died after being hit by a lumber truck in Napa County on Tuesday morning, October 17, 2023.
According to California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 11:00 a.m. in the northbound bike lane of the Silverado Trail north of Oak Knoll Avenue.
A man riding a Trek bicycle and a woman riding a Specialized bicycle were traveling in the northbound lane when the lumber cargo of a 2018 Freightliner hit the cyclists.
The male cyclist, estimated to be 50 years old, died at the scene, while the female cyclist, believed to be 45 years old, was transported to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center by an American Medical Response ambulance but later succumbed to her injuries.
The identities of the cyclists were not disclosed until relatives were notified. The 55-year-old driver named Porfirio S. stopped his three-axle truck and remained at the scene. He was reportedly not injured during the collision.
Further details on the crash and its factors are currently unavailable, as officials have not provided any additional information. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Renowned Bicycle Accident Lawyers Specializing in Truck Accidents in Napa County
Injury-causing bicycle accidents may be legally compensated, and legal representation is essential. The victim or their family may file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit to obtain financial compensation for their pain and suffering.
During your complimentary consultation, our committed legal team will assess your situation. We will assist you with the necessary formalities and consider any additional information affecting the settlement offer.
You can seek advice and rely on our renowned Napa County bicycle accident lawyers specializing in truck accidents at Arash Law, under Arash Khorsandi, Esq.’s direction, to help you with your insurance claim or represent you in court proceedings effectively. 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 Bicycle Accident
If you ride a bicycle and get hit by a car, you must ensure you are safe. Understanding the best ways to protect your health and legal rights is also crucial, whether you want to be ready in case a vehicle incident occurs in the future or if you’ve already had one and need more advice. By taking the following actions, you can make sure that you receive the payment you are entitled to:
- 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.
- Get Immediate Medical Attention: Your adrenaline rush might initially mask the pain from your injuries. To prevent further complications, a quick body assessment is crucial 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.
- Contact the Authorities: Inform the California Highway Patrol or the police department where the collision occurred.
- 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.
- 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.
- Call Our Car Accident Law Firm at (888) 488-1391: Speak to our bicycle accident lawyers 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.
Fatal Bicycle Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 932 motor vehicle incidents resulted in the deaths of bikers in 2020. This represents a 9% increase above the 856 cyclists who died in 2019.
Since 2010, the number of fatalities and serious injuries on California’s highways has increased. Pedestrian and bike traffic fatalities and serious injuries have surged, with pedestrian occurrences rising by over 50% and bicycling deaths rising by 60%.
Additionally, there has been a 35% increase in serious injuries and fatalities from intoxicated driving. For this reason, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has focused on developing education and prevention programs to enhance road safety.
In 2021 alone, $93.7 million has been allocated by the OTS for 415 traffic safety grants, focusing on initiatives prioritizing infrastructure upgrades to create safer pedestrian and bicycle conditions.