A 37-year-old male rider was killed after his Motorcycle rear-ended a vehicle in Merced County on Sunday night, April 28, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on State Route 165 north of River Road and on a bridge that spans the Merced River.

Investigators said that 23-year-old Juan G. from Stevinson was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban northbound on SR-165 at about 40 mph. At the same time, the rider, only identified as a 37-year-old man from Turlock, was on his 2019 Harley Davidson just behind.

It is said that the motorcyclist was traveling at an unspecified but high rate of speed when his ride suddenly collided with the rear end of the Chevy. The impact of the collision threw the rider off the Merced River Bridge after he was ejected from his motorcycle.

Upon arrival, responders found the man at the bottom of the bridge lifeless. He had already succumbed to his injuries by the time rescuers arrived.

Meanwhile, the Chevy driver was not injured and remained at the scene to cooperate with the police. He was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.

No further details were immediately provided. The authorities are still looking into the possible factors that may have contributed to the fatal Accident.

Investigations are underway.

Seek Help From Our Dependable Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Merced County

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a Motorcycle Accident around Merced County, you might be entitled to compensation. In these circumstances, the settlement sum is determined with the help of lawyers in the corresponding state’s civil courts. Our Merced County injury law firm is here for you!

During your free initial consultation, you can openly discuss your claim with our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq. We will help you with the necessary procedures and consider any additional details affecting the settlement offer.

Seek advice from our dependable Merced County motorcycle accident attorneys, who will secure compensation for your injuries or effectively represent you in court proceedings if necessary. Our firm has recovered more than $500 million for California clients.

If you want to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

Steps To Take After A Merced County Motorcycle Accident

The recklessness of another driver can cause severe damage and affect the lives of others. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the following steps may help you:

1. Check yourself for injuries before checking on others. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Pull over to the side of the road or another safe area, if possible, while waiting for authorities.
3. Do not admit fault. This is one of the common mistakes people tend to make following a vehicular accident. Do your best to stay calm.
4. Do not settle your case with the other driver. It is essential to report your accident to the police so that there will be an official record.
5. Collect as much relevant information as possible, such as the other driver’s name and insurer.
6. Take photos of any relevant evidence that can help build your case.
7. Organize all accident-related documents and information in a folder.
8. Discuss your vehicle accident with one of our reliable California motorcycle accident lawyers. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. Our team answers the questions and concerns of many victims.

If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps on calling you about the accident, our California motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you in communicating with them.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to fatalities and severe injuries because they are not as protected as drivers of other vehicles. Despite this, they remain prevalent, as they are highly accessible and can give their riders a sense of freedom.

However, compared to car passengers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that they are 16 times more prone to injury and 35 times more likely to die. In 2021, the fatality rate for motorcyclists was almost 24 times that of a regular passenger car occupant per vehicle mile traveled.

Furthermore, due to how accessible motorcycles are, many are tempted to use them even without the proper skills to do so. The NHTSA suggests that 36% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2021 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.