Motorcyclist Austun Cooley Died In Valle Vista Car Accident With Pickup Truck By The Intersection of Acacia Avenue and New Chicago Avenue
VALLE VISTA, CALIFORNIA (July 20, 2022) – A motorcyclist identified as Austun Cooley has died in a Valle Vista collision with a pickup truck by Acacia Avenue and New Chicago Avenue.
Riverside County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:15 p.m. on Friday. Austun Cooley was riding a Yamaha motorcycle when a Dodge 2500 pickup truck began backing into a residential driveway.
The motorcyclist was unable to avoid the pickup truck as it backed up. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision
Austun Cooley was taken to the Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley with critical injuries. Despite life-saving measures, the victim died due to the severity of his injuries.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Valle Vista Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable to road hazards and the carelessness of other drivers. According to the NHTSA, “Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died.” It is very common for drivers to overlook motorcyclists, especially as they are making turns. There are many other factors that could contribute to a motorcycle accident.
- Drunk driving
- Inclement weather
- Driver fatigue
- Road hazards
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21804, the driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property must first yield the right-of-way to all traffic that is close enough to pose a hazard. Any driver that moves their vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic could be held at fault in the event of a collision.
Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes such as landscaping and construction. If, for example, a pickup truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could possibly be held at fault. It is important to determine the purpose of a pickup truck driver’s trip at the time of a crash. Victims of motorcycle accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
The family of any victim that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s spouse and dependent children. Unfortunately, insurance companies will often fight hard to deny responsibility for any crash. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Valle Vista Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Austun Cooley. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Valle Vista car accident? Our team of motorcycle 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.
