A 55-year-old man identified as Clifton Ray Vandiver was killed after his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle in Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday afternoon, November 5.
According to the local authorities’ initial reports, the accident occurred at around 5:04 p.m. at Base Line Road and Spruce Avenue.
A Kawasaki motorcycle operated by Vandiver was initially traveling eastbound along Base Line road, while a pickup truck was traveling westbound on the same route.
The pickup truck then turned left onto Spruce Avenue, going directly into the path of the Kawasaki motorcycle. The two vehicles collided.
The reason why the pickup truck suddenly turned left is currently unclear. The motorcycle rider sustained fatal injuries from the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fatal Motorcycle Accident Investigation is Underway
The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the fatal crash. They will attempt to determine the reason why the pickup truck driver went into the motorcyclist’s path.
Motorcycle accidents can often lead to catastrophic and even devastating results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, approximately 5,286 motorcyclists were killed in the U.S. in 2016 alone.
Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents are distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, bad weather, wrong-way driving, and failure to observe traffic laws.
Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to the road’s dangers than passengers of private cars as seatbelts or airbags do not protect them. Motorcycle riders are encouraged to dress appropriately and wear a helmet every time they ride their motorcycle to prevent fatal injuries. Wearing helmets were estimated to be 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths.
San Bernardino County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Motorcycle Accidents
While the investigation is on-going, the victim’s family is entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Through the wrongful death claim, families can seek compensation for the damages (such as loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress) that the tragic incident has caused them.
The stress and sorrow following a loved one’s death due to an accident can be too overwhelming. Professional wrongful death attorneys can stay updated on the official investigation on behalf of the family while ensuring that their client’s legal rights and best interests are protected.
If you believe you have grounds to file a claim, retain a local car accident attorney in California near you who can help you navigate car accident laws. Arash Law has decades of experience throughout California and has secured million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our car accident team can investigate your crash, identify the potential defendant(s), and file your claim with the civil court system as quickly as possible. Don’t delay – you’re just a phone call away from learning your legal options. Call (888) 488-1391 or get in touch online to schedule a free case evaluation.
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