Collision occurred with SUV at Fifth Avenue and East 10th Street
OAKLAND, CA, (July 09, 2025) - Eric Pugaczewski, 55, was tragically killed Wednesday morning in a crash involving an SUV in Oakland, authorities confirmed.
Eric Pugaczewski died following a crash involving an SUV and two motorcycles in Oakland; one rider fled the scene.
The incident occurred around 9:08 a.m. as Pugaczewski and another motorcyclist were traveling southbound on Fifth Avenue. Both riders collided with an SUV that was heading eastbound on East 10th Street. The impact of the crash caused Pugaczewski to be ejected from his motorcycle.
He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The second motorcyclist fled the scene on foot and remains at large, according to investigators. The collision remains under active investigation.
FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Motorcycle riding is often associated with freedom, offering riders a sense of escape on the open road. However, the reality is increasingly grim for law-abiding motorcyclists, who are being killed at an alarming rate across the country.
In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This marks the highest number of motorcyclist deaths recorded since at least 1975. In California, motorcycle fatalities rose by 3.8%, from 611 in 2021 to 634 in 2022.
Candice Bond, a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney and Managing Partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of an independent investigation in the wake of a fatal motorcycle crash.
“Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable users on the road, and multiple factors can contribute to deadly collisions,” Bond said. “Blind spots, driver inexperience, and distracted driving are all common causes. A qualified attorney has the resources to retain expert witnesses, conduct background checks, interview witnesses, and examine applicable insurance coverage—all while compassionately guiding the victim’s family through the legal process and protecting their rights.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family of Eric Pugaczewski may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims allow surviving loved ones to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from a tragic accident.
“We understand the immense pain families endure after such a devastating loss, and it’s critical that their legal rights are protected,” said Candice Bond, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death attorney can closely monitor the investigation and ensure that the family's best interests are represented throughout the legal process.”
Family members of wrongful death victims have the right to seek justice and compensation for the profound emotional and financial impacts they face.
Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is skilled in handling motorcycle accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you or a loved one needs legal guidance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline 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 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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