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.

Tragic San Jose Pedestrian Accident Claims The Life of One Child and Leaves Two Others with Serious Injuries

The San Jose community is outraged following the death a young girl who was killed while crossing the street with her younger sister and aunt on Tuesday April 15, 2013.  Although it is too early to determine if the 20-year-old male driver was speeding, neighbors and community members have reported that the location of the accident is known for drivers exceeding the 25 MPH speed limit. Following the devastating accident, concerned community members are demanding that further safety precautions and preventative measures be taken to reduce speeding in the area.

The preschooler was struck by a Lexus SUV near Parkview Elementary School on Bluefield Drive in South San Jose, California.  The SUV was traveling west on Bluefield drive when it struck Maria Quiroz, Arlet Quiroz, and killed 5-year-old Aileen Quiroz.  According to police, Aileen died at the scene after sustaining fatal injuries at 3:24 p.m.

Several reports state that 30-year-old Maria Quiroz sustained serious injuries and remains in the ICU at Valley Medical Center. She reportedly suffered from several broken ribs and a punctured lung.  Two-year-old Arlet Quiroz was treated for contusions to her head.  At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our thoughts and prayers are with the Quiroz family, and we are hoping for a fast recovery for both Maria and Arlet.

Police are continuing to investigate exactly what happened across from Parkview Elementary School, and are working to interview all witnesses.  As of Wednesday, Maria Quiroz had not been interviewed regarding the incident because of the severity of her injuries. Her interview and account of events may be the key to piecing together exactly what happened on Tuesday afternoon.

If speed was a factor in causing the accident, criminal charges may be filed against the driver.  Similarly, if the driver was distracted by talking or texting on his cell phone, he could face serious criminal consequences.  If the driver is found to have been reckless or careless in his actions, the family will be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their daughter, as well as for the injuries sustained by Maria and Arlet.

The San Jose pedestrian accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP have a history of obtaining significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.  We understand the tactics that insurance companies employ to minimize and delay payments to victims of pedestrian accident and their families.  We utilize our understanding of these tactics to get our clients the compensation they deserve.  This can include damages for property damage, past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, emotional distress, loss of consortium, pain and suffering. 

If you or a loved one has suffered because of a reckless driver, call the experienced accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for your free consultation and case evaluation.