Dr Adela Santana-Mullooly, An Instructor At Fresno State and Clovis Community College, Died In Fresno Car Accident While Riding Bicycle on Watts Valley Road near Bull Run Lane
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA (October 7, 2022) – A bicyclist and college instructor identified as Adela Santana-Mullooly died in a Fresno car accident on Watts Valley Road.
Fresno County officials are saying that the accident took place on Monday. Dr. Adela Santana-Mullooly was riding her bicycle as she was hit by a 47-year-old driver that veered into oncoming traffic.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Adela Santana-Mullooly died as a result of her injuries.
It remains unclear if the other driver will face any charges or citations following the crash. The instructor is survived by a step-son, step-daughter, twins and her husband.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Fresno County Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles have become much more popular in recent years, especially with the cost of gas approaching $7 a gallon in California. This has coincided with a sharp increase in the number of fatal bicycle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Bicycle trips make up only 1% of all trips in the United States. However, bicyclists account for over 2% of people who die in a crash involving a motor vehicle on our nation’s roads.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a bicycle accident.
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver fatigue
- Poor road conditions
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting bicyclists. Many car accidents are due to drivers that make dangerous lane changes. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 22107, no person shall drive a motor vehicle left or right upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that crosses into opposing lanes of traffic before hitting a bicyclist. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any bicycle accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
When a driver is negligent and kills a bicyclist, they can be held at fault through a civil claim. The family of any person that is killed in a car accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, drivers will often fight hard to deny liability for any crash. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after an accident.
Investigating A Fresno County Bicycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Adela Santana-Mullooly. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. It is our sincere hope that Fresno County officials will consider measures to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Fresno County bicycle accident? Our team of Fresno County 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.
