Santa Rosa, CA: Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with SMART Train on Guerneville Road
Man Killed in Santa Rosa Train Accident on Guerneville Road
Santa Rosa, California (November 13, 2019) – A motorcyclist was killed Wednesday afternoon in a collision with a southbound SMART train in Santa Rosa, according to a local news source.
The deadly accident was reported at around 3:55 p.m. at the intersection of Guerneville Road and SMART train tracks.
Authorities said an unidentified man was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Guerneville Road when he saw backed up traffic at the rail crossing. Instead of stopping, the motorcyclist weaved into the westbound lane and drove onto the tracks as the train was passing through the intersection.
The rider hit one of the rear cars of the train. Due to the force of the impact, the undercarriage of the train and the motorcycle went on fire.
The rider was pulled off the burning motorcycle by bystanders. Fire crews arrived at the scene and quickly extinguished the flames.
Motorcyclist Killed in Train Accident at Guerneville Road in Santa Rosa
The rider was declared dead at the scene. His name has not been disclosed pending notification of family.
Authorities blocked traffic in both directions on Guerneville Road from Coffey Lane to North Dutton Avenue while they investigated.
We at Pacific Attorney Group extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person killed. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult period.
Every year, several traffic accidents are reported in California. Unfortunately, these accidents result in many fatalities and even more injuries. The causes of many of these traffic accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, bad weather, wrong-way driving, and failure to observe traffic laws. Negligence on the part of motorists is the leading cause of these accidents.
From the report above, the circumstances surrounding the traffic collision remain unclear. However, the authorities will gather information, including witness statements to determine the cause of the accident.
If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident, we highly recommend that you seek legal guidance and fight for justice. Contact a wrongful death attorney at Pacific Attorney Group, we specialize in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. We assist victims of traffic accidents and their families in seeking justice. Our attorneys will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. Call our firm today, and we will help you get justice for your loved one.
If you are a family member of the person killed and would like a free copy of the police report, contact Pacific Attorney Group. Please Click to call : 1-800-358-9617
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents account for a significant number of the total accidents that happen on the roads in California every year. When motorcycle accidents happen, riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries or death. Motorcyclists should, therefore, be aware of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and use the information to mitigate their level of risk.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Motorcycle Lane Splitting – Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic.
Lane splitting may lead to motorcycle accidents due to: the close proximity of the vehicles to the motorcycle, limited space for the motorcycle to maneuver, the presumption by other motorists that no cars or motorcycles will be passing them in slowed or stopped traffic.
Vehicles Making Left-Hand Turns – Cars turning left usually collide with motorcycles when the bikes are: going straight through an intersection, passing the car, or attempting to overtake the vehicle.
When this category of accident happens, the driver of the car may be held accountable for the crash. However, it is good to note that the motorcyclist may also be partly to blame if, for example, they were speeding or riding in the wrong lane.
Speeding – Driving at high speeds reduces the rider’s ability to slow or stop safely in case of a hazard, or slowed or stopped traffic. The rider ends up crashing into other cars or loses control of the motorcycle after applying emergency brakes.
