Semi-truck crash on State Route 223 kills motorcyclist

The California Highway Patrol reports that a motorcyclist died in a semi-truck accident on July 8. The fatal accident happened on Highway 223 near Arvin.

According to a preliminary investigation, the semi-truck was turning out of the Arvin Gravel Plant near Towerline Road and pulled in front of the eastbound motorcyclist. The 49-year-old male motorcyclist dropped his vehicle to the side to avoid hitting the semi-truck. However, he still hit the big rig and died at the scene. Authorities did not disclose whether the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. The 77-year-old male semi-truck driver was not harmed in the collision.

Motorcyclists are already at an increased risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries in accidents with sedan and pickup truck vehicles. When they are involved in accidents with semi-trucks, this risk may increase even more. This increased risk is due, in part, to the size and weight of large commercial vehicles and the fact that motorcyclists do not have the advantage of air bags and the other safety features.

When motorcyclists die in traffic accidents that they do not cause, their surviving family members may be able to recover some of the resulting economic damages from the at-fault parties. Some of the economic damages they might recover include funeral and burial costs, loss of household services and support and the loss of gifts. Some noneconomic damages the family might recover include loss of companionship, assistance, society and comfort. Any minor children of the decedents may also receive compensation for noneconomic damages such as loss of guidance and training.

Source: Official California Legislative Information, Code Of Civil Procedure Section 377.60-377.62

Source: Bakersfield Now, "Motorcycle rider killed in crash near Arvin", July 08, 2014