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.

Campbell Teen Cyclist in Critical Condition After Being Hit by Car

Tragedy struck Friday night as a local teenager was hit by a 45-year-old San Jose resident while riding his bike in Campbell, California.  The accident took place at 8:55 p.m., at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Milton Avenue.  The young victim sustained a serious head injury, and remains in critical condition at Valley Medical Center.

The victim has been identified as Campbell Middle School student Juan Avila. Although the accident took place in the evening, the cyclist reportedly had reflectors on his white bike, making him visible to drivers despite dark evening conditions. The cause of the accident is not known at this time, and investigators are continuing to piece together exactly what happened.

Several reports state that emergency personnel arrived on the scene to find the 14-year-old boy lying in the road, restrained by witnesses.  Avila is reported to have been placed in an induced coma due to his serious head injury. At this time the extent of his head injury and the trauma to his brain are unknown. At Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP our prayers are with Juan Avila and his family.

Although Avila took proper safety precautions by having reflectors on his bike, this situation is an example of how a moment of driver inattentiveness or distracted driving can result in a tragic accident.  If you or a loved one has been the victim of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.  The bicycle accident attorneys of Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP have the experience and tools necessary to investigate your claim, and fight for your right to fair compensation. Call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP today for your free consultation and case evaluation.

Drag-Racing Ends in Life Threatening Injuries for a San Jose Woman After a Car Crashes Through her Kitchen

A woman suffered life threatening injuries on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, after a car lost control and came crashing through her kitchen wall.  Several reports state the silver BMW that caused the injury was participating in a “drag-race”, and lost control when it collided with the car it was racing against. Both cars participating in the illegal street race crashed.

The incident occurred near Leigh High School, on Leigh Avenue and Anne Way around 4:00 p.m. The vehicles involved were operated by minors, both of whom are 17-years-old.  The boys driving are reportedly cousins, who attend local high schools.

A total of five people were injured in relation to the devastating crash.  A 40-year-old mother was rushed to the hospital after safety personnel freed her from under the vehicle that entered her home.  The woman remains in critical condition.  A 9-year-old girl who also lives in the home was pulled from the wreckage by neighbors.  The young girl amazingly escaped the crash with only minor scratches. Both drivers of the vehicles involved went to the hospital for injuries, as well as three passengers.

Following their release from the hospital, both drivers were arrested, and are now being held on felony charges for reckless driving.  Fire Fighters that reported to the scene said that they had never seen a car go that far into a house before, and they were unable to enter the home upon first arrival because it was not structurally safe.  Safety beams had to be put in place before investigators could enter the devastatingly damaged home. 

Several neighbors and community members are outraged by the reckless act.  Unfortunately, illegal street racing is very common in the Leigh High School Neighborhood, and families in the area constantly fear for their safety. Crashes caused by reckless drivers have serious consequences.  If a driver is found to be at fault for a crash resulting in injury, the injured party may be entitled to reimbursement of medical costs, income lost as a result of the injuries, and even future medical expenses or future loss of income.  Similarly, if other property is damaged in the accident, such as the home in this situation, the victim may be entitled to monetary compensation to repair the damaged property.

 

If you have suffered at the hands of a reckless or inattentive driver, let the dedicated and experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP evaluate your claim, and fight for your right to fair compensation.   If a reckless driver has injured you or a loved one, call Matiasic Roth & Johnson LLP for a free case evaluation and consultation.