(Woodside, CA) A bicyclist died after sustaining injuries in a La Honda Road crash involving a pickup truck in Woodside.
On Friday, August 30, at around 2:00 p.m., the La Honda Road crash occurred. According to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, it happened at the intersection of La Honda Road and Skyline Boulevard, often called “the four corners” near Alice’s Restaurant.
Upon investigating, deputies learned a pickup truck struck a bicyclist at the intersection. As soon as emergency personnel arrived, they provided life-saving medical aid. After doing so, they transported the cyclist by air ambulance to Stanford Medical Center. Despite their efforts, the bicyclist died the following day, Saturday, August 31.
The driver of the pickup truck stayed on scene and cooperated with authorities. The San Mateo County Major Accident Investigation Team continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision. Officials have not yet determined if speeding, distraction, or failure to yield contributed to the deadly La Honda Road crash.
Legal Opinion on the La Honda Road Crash
The La Honda Road crash highlights the serious dangers bicyclists face when sharing intersections with larger vehicles. California law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Under California Vehicle Code 21200, cyclists are entitled to use the road, and drivers must respect their right of way. If the driver of the pickup truck failed to yield properly, California Vehicle Code 21801 may apply. This law requires drivers turning left or entering an intersection to yield until it is safe. Intersections like La Honda Road and Skyline Boulevard are complex, and failing to check for bicycles can create tragic outcomes.
Speed may also be a factor. California Vehicle Code 22350, the Basic Speed Law, requires drivers to travel only at speeds that are safe for the conditions. Even if the driver stayed under the posted limit, traveling too fast for the winding mountain road could still violate this law. Because the bicyclist died, their family may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows surviving relatives to seek compensation for funeral costs, emotional distress, and the financial and emotional support the victim provided.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the bicyclist should consult a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Quick legal action ensures access to the sheriff’s accident report of the La Honda Road crash. Attorneys may also use accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the collision occurred and whether negligence played a role. Even though the driver stayed and cooperated, civil liability may still exist. The law holds drivers accountable when they fail to yield, speed unsafely, or ignore a bicyclist’s right of way.
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief and accountability for the family. While nothing can undo the loss, taking legal steps after the La Honda Road crash can help the family secure justice and ensure safer roads for cyclists in the future.
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.
