SANTA MARIA, Calif.— Police are investigating an crash on April 16 that left a motorcyclist dead after a bus failed to yield.
The crash occurred near a Highway 101 on-ramp in Santa Maria. Authorities said the bus struck the motorcycle as the rider attempted a turn.
Officials identified Phillip Leonard, 82, as the motorcyclist killed in the accident. Emergency responders transported him to Marian Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
No one aboard the bus was injured. Police stated that alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors in the accident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department.
Phillip Leonard tragically killed in Santa Maria motorcycle accident with bus
Incident Location
CRASH INVESTIGATION
Candice Bond, an experienced bus accident attorney, said in such cases, it’s imperative to have an independent investigation conducted promptly to protect a victim’s rights.
“Bus crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Bond, who is a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“A skilled attorney can protect victims from these entities, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver.
“Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring expert witnesses, conducting drivers’ background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a victim through the legal process.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family of Phillip Leonard may pursue compensation for damages such as costs associated with the death, loss of income and companionship, and other hardships.
“A death to a family member after an accident is both tragic and devastating to a surviving family. The grief, shock, and anger can be overwhelming,” said Bond.
He added, “Aside from the emotional suffering of those left behind, the death of someone close can have devastating financial implications. Loss of income and funeral costs alone can have tragic consequences when a family member is lost.”
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).