Motorcyclists are at more risk than any other motorist on the road. Other drivers claim they have trouble seeing riders, even though that usually means careless drivers just don’t take the time to look properly for smaller vehicles using the lanes.
The accident risk extends across daytime and nighttime rides, but also includes the period of dusk when light levels can make distracted drivers that much more likely to miss seeing motorcyclists even when they are directly ahead. The risk factor also increases over the weekend when more motorcyclists are enjoying rides.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) finds that on weekends, including Friday evenings, accidents occurring from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. account for a quarter of the motorcycle deaths seen over those three dangerous days.
Motorcyclist Killed in Merced Hit-And-Run Accident
A motorcyclist was killed in a collision in Merced Friday night. FOX26-TV reported the crash happened around 7 p.m. on Belcher Avenue near Beachwood Drive on October 23, 2020.
The California Highway Patrol says the motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was on Belcher Avenue when a woman driving a car turned left directly in front of him. The motorcyclist struck the right side of the mid-2000’s green Honda sedan. He died at the scene. Another woman, in her 80s, driving a third vehicle was also injured after crashing into an embankment as a result of the first accident.
The woman driving the Honda left the scene. Investigators say that if she’s found, she’ll be charged with felony hit-and-run.
Assistance for Merced Motorcycle Accident Victims and Their Families
When families lose a loved one to an accident there are no words to express the pain felt and the grief experienced. These situations become even more tragic when a driver decides to skip out on the blame for a deadly accident by driving away.
For the family, no amount of money can replace the love and care the victim provided, but the loved ones left behind should consider the future of the family. The driver may have escaped liability, but family members may still be able to get compensation for their financial hardships and any financial obstacles that arise in the years to come.
Families may be able to recover money if the victim was covered by a car insurance policy. The claim would be filed against the uninsured/underinsured portion of the policy. The family could recover money for things like ambulance and hospital fees, funeral costs, and even get compensation for the future paychecks the deceased would have supported the family with through his or her job.
If there is a break in the case and the hit-and-run suspect is arrested the family will then be able to move forward with a wrongful death claim against the driver’s insurance company. The suspect will be facing criminal charges, but this separate civil lawsuit can move ahead even if a criminal trial hasn’t started yet.
Contact a Merced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have lost a family member in a motorcycle accident caused by a careless motorist, don’t leave your family’s future to chance. No matter the circumstances, an insurance company should be held responsible for every expense your family endures after a tragic accident. An attorney can represent your claim against the victim’s own insurance company or the insurance company for an at-fault driver. Having an attorney can ensure you get the maximum compensation for your family’s pain and suffering.
After an accident involving a serious injury, contact an experienced Merced motorcycle accident lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
