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[Merced County] – Ralph Stevenson Injured on Ashby Road in Motorcycle Crash
Merced County Man Injured in Motorcycle Crash
November 5, 2020 – Ralph Stevenson, age 77, was injured on Tuesday evening around 5:30 P.M. Moreover, the gentleman from Atwater was injured in a motorcycle accident on Ashby Road. Also, in the area of Beachwood Drive.
Initially, Mr. Stevenson was riding on a Triumph motorcycle heading west on Ashby Road. As he approached Beachwood Drive, an unidentified driver in a white Honda Prelude was heading south on Beachwood.
Unfortunately, the driver of the Honda failed to stop at a stop sign for unknown reasons. As a result, the motorcycle crashed into the front left side of the Honda, knocking off the bumper.
This caused Mr. Stevenson to be thrown from his bike onto the roadway.
Afterward, witnesses stated that the Honda fled the scene and drove away on Ashby Street. However, they turned around and came back so the passenger could retrieve the bumper.
Witnesses described the passenger as a heavyset adult male with short hair.
Meanwhile, rescue workers were able to airlift Mr. Stevenson to Doctors Medical Center, located in Modesto.
Subsequently, the California Highway Patrol is asking for anyone with further information about the driver or the passenger of the Honda Prelude to come forward. The contact Officer for his case is M. Carvajal at the Merced CHP Area Office at 209-356-6600.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Statistically, one in every two motorcycle accidents involves another motor vehicle.
As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013, 51% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved another motor vehicle. Also, 47% of those accidents were front facing collisions.
Not only that, another 22% of fatal motorcycle accidents that same year included fixed objects. Moreover, some examples of fixed objects are light poles or highway medians.
Among the fatal motorcycle accident situations that involve another motor vehicle – 42% of them because of other vehicles turning left. Subsequently, this could cause a collision with the driver of the motorcycle.
Motorcycle accidents are extremely dangerous, and sometimes difficult to avoid. A great way to remain safe while operating a motorcycle is to be aware of how to avoid a motorcycle accident. Likewise, there are many ways in which to do so, and we have summarized 5 tips to help you avoid having a motorcycle accident.
5 Safety Tips to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident
1) Pay attention to what is around you
While it may sound obvious, one common reason for motorcycle accidents involves moments when riders are not paying full attention. It is the same with motor vehicle operators and is due to one primary thing: habitual behavior.
Regardless of how long you have been riding a motorcycle, it is important to remember that you are operating a heavy piece of machinery and will be around other people doing the same. Be aware of everything around you include other drivers, road conditions, hazards in the road, and other factors that could negatively affect your driving experience.
2) Do not Drink and Drive
The NHTSA reports that around 50% of all fatal motorcycle crashes that happen across the United States involve alcohol. That number is staggering. Obviously, the only way to prevent drinking and driving is to abstain from drinking to begin with.
3) Wear a Helmet
One of the most important things to remember is to wear your helmet every time you sit on your bike. Furthermore, it does not matter if you are taking a ride down the street or across the city, wearing a helmet could be the one thing that will save your life in an accident. Additionally, it is important to have an additional helmet with your motorcycle for passengers. Used helmets have the potential of being damaged. Also, they may not meet the latest safety standards so they should be avoided.
4) Prevent Common Mistakes
Paying attention to your surroundings will help you avoid common mistakes. Furthermore, common mistakes can include but are not limited to:
- hitting gravel around a corner
- entering a corner at too high of a speed
- another motor vehicle changes lanes on top of you
- getting rear ended by another motor vehicle
- and getting hit by an opening car door
It is a rule of thumb that the best way to avoid common mistakes is to be aware of them. Furthermore, as a motorcycle rider, it is up to you to develop a sort of sixth sense to vehicles around you. Possibly, use that sixth sense to remain aware of conditions that could be bad for you and or other drivers.
5) Follow the Speed Limit
Many motorcycle accidents ending in fatalities. Moreover, this is due to speeding. Also, this is a common accident when motorcyclists attempt to make sharp turns thereby losing control of their bikes. It is important to follow the posted speed limit signs set on highways, back roads, and residential areas. Subsequently, this will help to keep you safe and prevent you from being unable to properly turn. Also, it will help to keep you from running into a pedestrian or vehicle and keeping you from hydroplaning. Finally, following the set speed limits on the roads you are driving will also help you avoid getting a speeding ticket.
There is a plethora of factors to keep in mind before getting onto a motorcycle and going for a ride. While it may seem daunting, remembering all these safety tips could save your life when it comes right down to it.
Despite your experience on a motorcycle, you should always practice safety and responsibility when riding on a motorcycle.
For additional safety tips that can help you to possibly avoid an accident, you can visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Association’s website here. You can also visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation mentioned earlier, or the National Motorcycle Safety Fund here.
We at Salkow Law are wishing all the best for Ralph Stevenson , and we hope he has speedy recovery.
Salkow Law are true advocates that will work with you directly to achieve justice. Insurance companies want to pay as little compensation as they can. They will even try to make your case go away completely. We will fight for you so that does not happen.
Unlike, the law firms you see plastered on billboards and buses, at Salkow Law you will receive a level of personal service long forgotten at the ‘big’ firms. With us you will not be a faceless, nameless case file. We’ll answer any questions you have and make sure you have a full understanding of how the process works.
This is especially true for families that have lost a loved one in an accident. We won’t stop until we’ve gotten you fair compensation to alleviate the financial toll that unexpected devastation brings.
Call us for a free consultation at (310) 914 – 8484
