Tragic Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident Claims One Life

A tragic accident occurred in Santa Rosa on July 31, 2012, at approximately 7:00 a.m.  According to published reports, a cyclist was riding westbound down a steep hill near the intersection of Fountain Grove Parkway and Thomas Lake Harris Drive when he was struck by a Chevrolet pickup truck.  The cyclist has been identified as 37-year-old Ruben Hernandez from Modesto.  Tragically, Mr. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. 

The driver of the pickup truck has been identified as 22-year-old Adam Bigham of Sebastopol.   The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office is investigating to determine if any criminal charges will be filed as a result of this accident.  A Sonoma Police Sergeant made a statement that indicated that Mr. Bigham made a left-hand turn directly into the path of the cyclist and other traffic.  Sadly, this avoidable accident appears to have been caused by driver inattention. 

Inattentive drivers are a danger to cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists.  Some common bicycle accident scenarios involving inattentive drivers include:  “dooring” cyclists when failing to look before opening a car door, unsafe lane changes, failing to look when travelling through intersections and cellphone usage.  Fatal and severe accidents can occur whenever a driver’s attention is not completely focused on the roadway.

The compassionate bicycle accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP understand the stress and emotion that families experience after losing a loved one in a fatal bicycle accident.  We are committed to helping victims and their families rebuild their lives following traumatic accidents. 

Our experienced trial lawyers never back down from a fight on behalf of our clients regardless of whether the responsible party is a negligent motorist, a vehicle or auto-part manufacturer, or a government entity.  We are committed to helping victims and their families while making responsible parties pay for their negligence.  If you or loved one have experienced a bicycle or pedestrian accident call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for a free consultation.