Bicyclist Phillip Jordan O'Neill Killed by Motorist in Pasadena

A tragic bicycle accident claimed the life of a 25-year-old Los Angeles man on June 15, 2013.  Phillip Jordan O’Neill was riding his bike near the California Institute of Technology campus on the 1100 block of East Del Mar Boulevard, between Wilson and Michigan Avenues in Pasadena, California, when he was hit by a vehicle from behind.  Following the accident, Mr. O’Neill was rushed to Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The type of vehicle involved in the incident has not been released, but has been described in several published reports as a compact car.  No arrests have been made in connection with the accident yet, but that could change upon further police investigation.

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and sympathy are with the O’Neill family in their time of grief.  Losing a loved one in a bicycle accident is a tragedy that no family should have to endure.

This terrible and preventable accident is reportedly the 33^rd bicycle accident fatality in Southern California in the past six months.  Unfortunately, the frighteningly high number of fatalities is not uncommon in the Southern California area, or in many other similar biking communities. 

In California, bicyclists and pedestrian far too often become the victims of negligent or inattentive drivers.  Drivers have a duty to be attentive on the roadway in order to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.  If a driver is found to have been operating their vehicle inattentively, they will be held liable for their negligent driving and will owe compensation to the victim or their family.

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP, our bicycle accident attorneys have decades of experience investigating bicycle accidents and have consistently obtained compensation for accident victims and their loved ones.  If you have lost a loved one because of a negligent or inattentive driver, call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for your free consultation and case evaluation.

Dublin Cyclist Couple Hit by Motorist in Pleasanton: Diana Hersevoort Pronounced Dead at the Scene

A Dublin couple was struck by a young motorist on Sunday afternoon while riding their bikes on Foothill Road in Pleasanton, California.  The accident took place on a two-lane road a quarter mile south of Golden Eagle Way, while the couple were riding south on Foothill Road.  Police and emergency personnel were called to the scene on June 9^th at 1:08 p.m.  Tragically, 58-year-old Diana Hersevoort was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Both bikers were hit by the 2004 Dodge Neon that was being operated by an unidentified 18-year-old man.  Johannes Hersevoort was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for undisclosed injuries.  Several reports state that Johannes was hit first, followed by his wife Diana who was riding ahead of him.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the Hersevoort family in their time of grief.

This tragedy is a reminder to motorists that they need operate their vehicles responsibly to ensure the safety of cyclists.  The stretch of road where this accident occurred is a popular bicycle route but is very dangerous for cyclists because of reckless drivers.  Several comments by community members indicate that many drivers are frustrated by sharing the road with bicyclists, and often try to pass them at unsafe speeds.  This dangerous attitude toward cyclists is very common, and speeding and aggressive driving are frequent factors in causing accidents that leave bicyclists with fatal and severe injuries.

Sadly, cyclists being struck by automobiles on California roadways is an all too common occurrence. Losing a loved one in a bike accident is a tragedy that no family should be forced to endure or witness.  If a family member witnesses a loved one sustain fatal injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for negligent infliction of emotional distress, as well as compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one.

At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our bicycle accident attorneys understand the importance of an immediate and comprehensive investigation to identify all responsible parties, causes of action, and preserve critical evidence.  Families that have experienced the wrongful death of a loved one need a dedicated attorney to fight for them.  If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free consultation.

San Jose Teen Sustains Fatal Injuries after Being Struck by Ford F-150

Silver Creek High School is mourning the loss of a beloved member of its sophomore class following a fatal bike accident.  Local teen Andy Martinez is the ninth person this year to sustain fatal injuries due to a bike or pedestrian accident in the San Jose Area.  Several reports state that the 15-year-old was riding his bike to school on Monday, May 20th when he was hit by a Ford F-150 pickup truck, a block away from his destination. 

The accident occurred at the intersection of East Capitol Expressway and Silver Creek Road, at approximately 7:35 a.m.  Following the collision, Andy was taken to an unidentified hospital where he later died at 8:10 a.m. due to the severity of his injuries. Grief counselors are working with students and staff members of Silver Creek High School to help them cope with the loss of Andy, who was described as the life of the classroom.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the Martinez family and the Silver Creek High School community in their time of grief.

 

 

Investigators are working to figure out exactly how the accident occurred.  According to witnesses, Andy was heading east on East Capitol Expressway and the pickup truck was traveling north on Silver Creek Road when the two collided.  Several students confirmed that the intersection is often busy, and is known for being dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

The full investigation may reveal many details that witnesses or the parties involved may not be able to recall.  After analyzing skid marks, traffic signals, the pickup truck, and the fixed gear bike involved, investigators may be able to determine the cause of the accident.  Investigators may find that the driver of the pickup truck was driving recklessly or inattentively, both of which are common causes of pedestrian and bike accidents, and would allow the driver to be held liable for the accident.  Even if the collision is found to have been an accident, the family of Andy Martinez may have a right to obtain compensation for several other reasons; for example, if the intersection is found to be a dangerous.

There are several ways for an accident to result in the wrongful death of a loved one. The experienced bicycle accident lawyers of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP will ensure that you or a loved one receives the compensation they are entitled to.  Call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for your free consultation and case evaluation.