A motorcyclist’s life was tragically claimed in a collision with a car in Madera County Saturday afternoon. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene in the community of Coarsegold shortly after 1:30 p.m. on November 20, 2021.
The Fresno Bee reported the accident occurred along Road 415 near the intersection of Highway 41. Investigators say the motorcyclist was traveling west on Road 415 when a woman driving a Toyota Prius pulled out in front of the rider while making a left turn to go east. The rider struck the left rear of the Toyota.
The rider, a resident of Coarsegold, was declared dead on the scene. The woman in the Toyota complained of chest pain. Further information on her condition was not released.
California Highway Patrol Officers continue to work to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Madera County Motorcycle Accident Dangers
Motorcyclists traveling Madera County’s more mountainous and curvy regions know to monitor the terrain and other drivers at all times. They travel at tremendous risk when motorists get careless when looking in their mirrors, blind spots, and making traffic checks for a turn.
Drivers can take a glance that lasts no more than a second and miss a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle. They may hit the gas when they actually don’t have the right-of-way and end up in the path of a defenseless rider.
These tragic accidents occur every week across California and Central Valley. The Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) for the state monitors yearly Madera Accident numbers to get a better sense of how much caution drivers are exercising.
In 2020, Madera Emergency Response Crews were called to 47 collisions involving people on motorcycles. In those accidents, 47 people were left injured. Another 4 victims ended up losing their lives.
These yearly accidents are a sad reminder for all motorists to give a few extra seconds whenever making a lane change or a turn in traffic. Taking the time to spot a rider traveling nearby can prevent a devastating accident and save a life.
A Word on Wrongful Death Claims
Families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident may not be aware that they are permitted to seek assistance through a wrongful death claim. This support could help with funeral and burial costs and replace the financial support the deceased can no longer provide for his or her family. You can read more about these claims on my page about wrongful death claims in California.
