59-year-old man from Yolo County dead after crashing into motorcyclist on Long Valley Road

According to a recent article from the Press Democrat, there was a major traffic accident that occurred on Thursday afternoon on State Highway 20 just east of Clearlake Oaks in which Yolo County resident Norman Leon Smith was killed and motorcyclist Jeffery Ford was severely injured.

Per the article, the accident happened just after 12:00 p.m. when Smith, driving in a 2011 Ford F-350, was traveling westbound along the highway before he crossed over the double yellow line into the eastbound lane and into the path of a motorcyclist from Clearlake Oaks identified as Jeffery Ford.

California Highway Patrol, as stated in the article, reported that in trying to avoid the collision, Ford was flung from his 2017 BMW motorcycle after being struck by the left front end of the truck.

Ford suffered major injuries and required paramedics to transport the victim to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital via REACH helicopter, said CHP officials.

Furthermore, Norman Smith, the Woodland resident inside the Ford pickup truck, unfortunately died at the crash site just west of New Long Valley Road, said CHP.

The California Highway Patrol concluded that neither drugs nor alcohol appeared to be a contributing factor to the collision, although the crash remains under investigation by the authorities.

“It is a sad misconception that motorcycle accidents are often the fault of the motorcyclist,” said San Diego attorney Robert May.  “It is important to have motorcycle accident investigations to accurately find the sequence of events and the cause of the accident.”

If you have lost a loved one due to the the negligence of another motorist in a car accident or motorcycle accident, and are seeking advice on what steps to take, call The May Firm at 1-844-MAYFIRM for a free consultation today.  Although a settlement cannot bring back a life, hiring a wrongful death attorney can earn you the appropriate compensation for your losses, to help cover the expensive memorial service and funeral costs, as well as any additional, unplanned bills that may arise.  Call us today, and see how our family can help yours.