Stephen Wright, of Simi Valley, Died In Truck Accident While Riding Bicycle By Los Angeles Avenue and Sycamore Drive
SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (May 2, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Stephen Wright has tragically died in a Simi Valley truck accident by Los Angeles Avenue and Sycamore Drive.
Ventura County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Stephen Wright was riding a bicycle when he was hit by a commercial truck at the intersection.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures from first responders, Stephen Wright died due to his injuries.
Police shut down the intersection for five hours as they conducted an investigation. Simi Valley officers are asking anyone that may have witnessed the crash to reach out to them.
Liability In Simi Valley Truck Accidents
Riding a bicycle has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation. It is a healthier, cheaper and more eco-friendly option than driving a car. But riding a bicycle is also much more dangerous than driving a car. According to the National Safety Council, “The number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents increased 16% in 2020 and have increased 44% in the last 10 years, from 873 in 2011 to 1,260 in 2020.” Bicyclists have a smaller profile than vehicles and are therefore more likely to be overlooked. There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to prevent collisions with bicyclists.
- Drivers should give bicyclists plenty of space while passing.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
- Drivers should yield the bicyclists traveling through crosswalks.
All bicyclists have the rights and responsibilities afforded to the drivers of motor vehicles under California Vehicle Code 21200. Many bicycle collisions are due to truck drivers that make dangerous turns. Any driver that hits a bicycle while making a left turn could be held liable for the collision under California Vehicle Code 21801. Pursuant to California Civil Code 21760 (c), the driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicyclist traveling in the same direction on a highway unless they are able to maintain a distance of three feet or greater from the cyclist.
Truck drivers must get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must follow all rules laid out in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If a truck driver collides with a bicyclist, they and their employer could be held liable through a civil claim. In general, companies are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. It is also common for companies to push their truck drivers to try to fulfill unrealistic delivery expectations. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any Simi Valley truck accident.
- Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
- The truck’s event data recorder should be examined.
- Photos of the accident should be taken.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Any history of accidents at an intersection should be reviewed.
The family of any victim that died in a Simi Valley bicycle accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. If a defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive awards may also be possible. Sadly, though, truck companies will often fight hard to deny all liability for an accident involving their driver. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Simi Valley Bicycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Stephen Wright. Any person that may have more information about the accident should reach out to the Simi Valley police department. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much. What was this truck driver doing prior to the collision? Were they potentially distracted?
Do you need more information about a Simi Valley truck accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
