Harley Davidson Motorcyclist Eugene Gragg, of Modesto, Died In Car Accident With Beekeeping Truck Along Highway 120 Not Far From Knights Ferry In Stanislaus County
STANISLAUS COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (August 25, 2022) – A 67-year-old motorcyclist identified as Eugene Gragg has tragically died in a beekeeping truck accident on Highway 120 near Knights Ferry.
Stanislaus County officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:00 p.m. on Monday. Eugene Gragg was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle when a pickup truck transporting bees pulled directly in front of him.
The force of the impact ejected the victim into the roadway leaving him with serious injuries. The driver of the beekeeping truck called 911 and paramedics arrived at the scene.
Despite life-saving measures, Eugene Gragg died due to his injuries. Sonora Area CHP spoke wit the driver of the pickup truck who remained at the scene.
A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability In Stanislaus County Car Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the IIHS, “A total of 5,579 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2020. That is the highest number recorded and an 11 percent increase from 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2020 and were more than double the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before turns.
- Drivers should always scan the road ahead of them for potential hazards.
- Drivers should slow down during periods of reduced visibility or inclement weather.
The vast majority of collisions involve some amount of driver error. Many collisions are due to drivers that proceed through intersections without checking cross traffic. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22450, the driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign must stop at the limit line. They must continue to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling from the opposite direction close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a driver goes through a stop sign without yielding, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
If the driver of any pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a pickup truck driver may have been transporting goods. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any pickup truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any motorcyclist killed in a car 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. Unfortunately, truck companies will often fight extremely hard to deny responsibility for any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence related to any accident is properly preserved.
Investigating A Stanislaus County Car Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Eugene Gragg who died in this beekeeping truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that measures will be taken to make this intersection safer.
Do you need more information about a Stanislaus County car accident? Our team of motorcycle safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. 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.
