Donald Ferguson, of Rio Dell, Died In Eureka Bicycle Accident With Pickup Truck On Highway 101 By Herrick Avenue
EUREKA, CALIFORNIA (October 29, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Donald Ferguson died in a Eureka car accident with a pickup truck on Highway 101 by Herrick Avenue.
Humboldt County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:42 p.m. on October 23. Donald Ferguson was riding a bicycle when he was hit by a Chevrolet pickup truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Donald Ferguson died as a result of his injuries.
A portion of Highway 101 was closed as an investigation into the collision continued.
Liability For Eureka Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles have continued to grow in popularity every year, especially as the price of gas goes higher. Sadly, serious bicycle collisions have also become more common. 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. Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid bicycle accidents.
- Drivers should maintain at least three feet of separation from bicyclists in bicycle lanes.
- Drivers should slow down during periods of inclement weather.
- Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for potential hazards.
Bicyclists have the same rights and obligations as drivers. Many collisions are due to drivers that follow bicyclists too closely. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21703, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down and hits a bicyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Pickup trucks are often used by various businesses for all sorts of purposes. If a pickup truck driver was working a the time of a collision, their employer could potentially be held liable for the crash. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees working within the course and scope of their job duties. For example, a pickup truck driver may have been transporting materials when they crashed. 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.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any person that is killed in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. A civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, though, it is common for drivers to deny liability for any collision that they are involved in. But the physical evidence left behind after a crash can paint a picture of what happened regardless of what anyone says.
Investigating A Eureka Bicycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Donald Ferguson. Any person that may have more information should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Eureka bicycle accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys 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.
