Turlock can be a dangerous place for pedestrians and bicyclists and when they are placed in situations where they must contend with fast-moving traffic and careless drivers. Sadly, conditions could easily be made safer with additional crosswalks, better lighting, and raised awareness for drivers who must realize they travel alongside more than just other vehicles.
Drivers are required to show extra caution to defenseless cyclists any time and place they encounter them. Drivers can be held liable for these accidents no matter the circumstances simply because people on bicycles travel at such risk when compared to the protection provided by a vehicle.
The extreme dangers are seen every year in Turlock. In 2020, the city recorded 15 bicycle collisions leading to 15 injuries and one tragic death. Overall, Stanislaus County saw 109 bicycle accidents with 111 injuries reported and two lives claimed.
Bicyclist Killed in Hit-And-Run Crash in Turlock
A cyclist was tragically struck and killed early Monday morning in southern Turlock. The Modesto Bee reports the accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Lander Avenue on May 3, 2021.
Turlock police say that a northbound vehicle struck the bicyclist as he crossed Lander Avenue near 6th street. The 50-year-old Turlock man was taken to the hospital where he later died.
The hit-and-run suspect fled the scene but was followed by witnesses until the driver wrecked his pick-up near Crows Landing Road. The driver fled that scene but later agreed to come to the Turlock Police Department. He was arrested and faces charges of vehicular manslaughter. He was booked in the Stanislaus County Jail.
Securing Help for Families After a Bicycle Accident in Turlock
Families will be devastated by the news of a lost loved one and when hit-and-run drivers are involved the anguish only grows. The identification of the driver is an important first step in finding justice for the family.
A hit-and-run suspect may face felony charges and a criminal trial. However, this won’t affect a family’s civil case against the suspect. A family can proceed with a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. This civil lawsuit would move forward separately from criminal proceedings.
A wrongful death claim can be filed on behalf of the entire family by a spouse or domestic partner, the children of the victim, and in some cases the parents of the victim. This claim would ask the driver’s insurance company for assistance with hospital bills and emergency care fees, and funeral and burial costs. A wrongful death claim can also seek to replace the paychecks the deceased would have continued to support the family with through his or her job in the future.
Contact a Turlock Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After losing a loved one in a tragic accident caused by a careless driver, contact an experienced, local attorney such as Martin Gasparian for a free and confidential consultation for your family. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every family should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and the personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
For more information on wrongful death claims and how to protect your family after a tragedy please visit our page for Turlock victims here.
