(Elk Grove, CA) A 39-year-old bicyclist died after a vehicle struck him in a Calvine Road crash early Sunday morning in Elk Grove.
On Sunday, August 31, at approximately 2:33 a.m., the Calvine Road crash occurred. According to the Elk Grove Police Department, it happened on Calvine Road between Bader Road and Bradshaw Road.
Authorities determined that a 39-year-old man from Sacramento sat on his bicycle in the roadway when an eastbound vehicle struck him. The impact left him unresponsive in the road. When officers and paramedics arrived, they assessed the man and determined he sustained fatal injuries. Officials pronounced him dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle stopped after the crash, remained at the location, and cooperated with investigators. Police confirmed that neither speed nor impairment appeared to play a role in the collision. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will release the bicyclist’s identity once his family is notified.
Legal Opinion on the Calvine Road Crash
The Calvine Road crash that killed a bicyclist raises several important legal issues under California law. While the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated, civil liability may still apply depending on the final investigation. Bicyclists have equal rights on public roads under California Vehicle Code 21200. This law grants them the same responsibilities and protections as motorists. Even though the victim sat on his bicycle in the roadway, drivers must remain alert and take reasonable precautions to avoid collisions.
If investigators find that the driver failed to exercise proper care, California Vehicle Code 22350 may apply. This Basic Speed Law requires drivers to travel only at speeds safe for conditions, regardless of posted limits. Even when traveling below the limit, a driver can be held liable if they failed to slow down in time to avoid a visible hazard. Investigators will also look into whether roadway lighting or visibility contributed. Drivers have a duty to adjust for conditions, which may fall under general negligence principles. If they could have reasonably avoided the collision but failed to do so, liability may follow.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the deceased bicyclist has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral expenses, emotional loss, and the financial support the deceased provided. An attorney can help the family by reviewing the police report on the Calvine Road Crash. They can also consult with accident reconstruction experts and examine roadway lighting or visibility conditions. Quick action is important because physical evidence and witness memory can fade.
Although impairment and speed do not appear to be factors, civil liability is still possible. A wrongful death claim can still succeed if investigators find that the driver failed to use reasonable care. While no lawsuit can ease the sudden grief, legal action can provide accountability and financial stability for the family during this painful time.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
