An 82-year-old woman identified as Helen H. died in the hospital after being hit by a man on an electric bicycle in Santa Cruz on Friday morning, September 27, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 5:50 a.m. on Opal Cliff Drive, east of Court Drive.
An 80-year-old man from Santa Cruz was riding his e-bike on the right shoulder of Opal Cliff Drive at an unknown speed when the incident took place. The woman was walking east of the bicyclist.
Authorities stated that for an unknown reason, the two collided, resulting in the pedestrian suffering major injuries. She was airlifted to Valley Medical Center but later succumbed to her injuries.
The man on the electric bicycle was also injured and transported to Dominican Hospital by ground ambulance.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but CHP has stated that drugs and alcohol are not suspected factors at this time.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.