(Hemet, CA) A 40-year-old bicyclist was killed Monday evening, February 2, after being struck by a delivery truck while crossing the roadway in a Florida Avenue crash.
Hemet Police Department officers responded shortly before 6:50 p.m. to reports of a collision involving a bicyclist. When officers arrived, they found a man in the roadway with major injuries. Officers began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but the man died from his injuries.
Authorities identified the victim as Ricardo Olvera Hernandez, 40, of Hemet. Police said a preliminary investigation indicated Hernandez attempted to cross Florida Avenue in front of a westbound delivery truck when the collision occurred. The truck traveled westbound at an unconfirmed speed at the time of impact.
The delivery truck driver, whose identity was not released, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, according to police. Officials did not report any arrests. Investigators also did not release information about traffic signals, lighting conditions, or whether Hernandez was using a marked crossing when he entered the roadway. Those details remained under review as the investigation continued.
Florida Avenue was closed between Western Avenue and Elk Street for several hours while officers documented the scene and cleared the roadway. The street reopened to traffic at approximately 11:30 p.m. Monday. Police asked anyone with additional information about the collision to contact the Hemet Police Department.
Analysis on the Florida Avenue Crash
When a fatal collision involves a bicyclist at a busy intersection, investigators review traffic safety laws to understand what factors may have contributed, without assigning fault prematurely. These reviews often focus on right-of-way, vehicle speed, and visibility for all roadway users.
Because the incident involved a bicyclist crossing the street, investigators may examine the Bicyclist Safety Law. This law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when using public roads. Investigators may review whether the bicyclist entered the roadway in a manner consistent with those shared rules.
If vehicle speed becomes part of the review, authorities could also consider the Basic Speed Law. This law requires drivers to operate at speeds that are reasonable for traffic, visibility, and roadway conditions. Even when a vehicle is traveling below the posted limit, higher speeds can reduce reaction time at intersections.
When a driver approaches an area where someone is crossing, investigators may further look at the Duty of Care Toward Others Law. This law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and others lawfully using the roadway. These considerations help investigators evaluate what may have contributed to the Florida Avenue crash as evidence continues to be reviewed.
What the Family Can Do
If you are related to Ricardo Olvera Hernandez or are supporting his loved ones, staying in contact with investigators can help you receive updates and request official police and coroner reports when they become available.
You may also consider speaking with a qualified legal professional to better understand your options during this process. Emotional support from family, friends, or grief counseling resources can be an important part of coping with a sudden and devastating loss.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
