Dillon Crossman, Motorcyclist From Oakhurst, Died In Mariposa County Collision With Pickup Truck On Highway 49 By Peg Leg Road
MARIPOSA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (April 2, 2022) – A 33-year-old motorcyclist identified as Dillon Crossman has died in a Mariposa County collision with a pickup truck on Highway 49 By Peg Leg Road.
Mariposa County police officials are saying that the collision took place around 2:40 p.m. on Thursday. Dillon Crossman collided with a Toyota pickup truck that was making a left turn onto a private road.
The victim was thrown from his motorcycle and sustained serious injuries in the process. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the motorcyclist.
Sadly, Dillon Crossman was beyond medical aid and died due to his injuries. It remains unclear if the driver of the pickup truck will face any citations for the crash.
A full investigation into the Mariposa car accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In California Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are much more difficult to handle than passenger vehicles. They are also much more likely to be overlooked. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in 2019. In all, motorcycle riders were nearly 29 times more likely to die in the event of a crash than someone in a passenger vehicle. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a motorcycle accident.
- Drivers could overlook motorcyclists during turns.
- Drivers could hit motorcyclists while intoxicated.
- Drivers could be distracted and hit a motorcyclist.
All drivers are supposed to exercise due care in order to avoid motorcyclists. Many collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. According to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to make a left turn shall yield the right of way to any vehicle traveling from the opposite direction close enough so as to pose a hazard. Any driver that makes an abrupt left turn in front of another vehicle will typically be held at fault in the event of a collision.
If the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. It’s common for pickup trucks to be used for commercial purposes like construction or landscaping. In general, employers are liable for the negligent actions of their employees. However, the employees must have been working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are many steps that should be taken after any pickup truck accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The purpose of the pickup truck driver’s trip should be determined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
When a driver is negligent and kills a motorcyclist, they can be held to account through a civil claim. Family members of the deceased may be able to seek some measure of justice through California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. Damages can help cover many of the expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. 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 California Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dillon Crossman. Any person that may have witnessed what happened should speak with investigators. It is our sincere hope that city officials will consider measures to help prevent additional collisions along this road.
Do you need more information about a Mariposa County car accident? Our team of motorcycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims be aware of their rights and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. 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.
