Hollister, CA — On the evening of Sunday, October 4, 2024, a man on a bicycle, identified as Alexander Pena, 63, of Hollister, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle, according to KSBW.
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office reports that the fatal accident took place around 5:26 PM at the intersection of Central Avenue and Westside Boulevard.
American Medical Response medics pronounced Pena dead at the scene. Emergency responders from the Hollister Police Department requested assistance from the San Benito County Sheriff’s deputies with the coroner’s investigation.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an examination of Pena’s body in order to discover any clues that might help determine the manner of his death.
No details have been shared regarding the events leading up to the crash, whether the driver involved remained at the scene, or what type of vehicle collided with Pena.
The Hollister Police Department is continuing to investigate the fatal collision that led to Pena’s death.
San Benito County Fatal Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to display an extra duty of care toward bicyclists they share the road with, like Pena, due to their greater vulnerability to serious injury. Drivers are expected to be mindful of bicyclists nearby, make all reasonable efforts to avoid a collision, and, if an accident happens, remain with the injured party, assist them in finding immediate medical assistance, and cooperate with authorities. Failure to do so is considered a hit-and-run, which is a misdemeanor in the case of property damage and a felony in the case of injury or death.
If the driver involved in this crash is found, Pena’s family would likely have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, the loss of support and companionship the deceased had provided, and other damages. However, if the driver escapes justice, Pena’s family may still be able to pursue a wrongful death claim through their uninsured motorist coverage.
San Benito County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident like the one described here at Central Avenue and Westside Boulevard, which caused the death of Alex Pena, consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
