The 82-year-old city resident was struck on Opal Cliff Drive, east of Court Drive
SANTA CRUZ, CA, (September 27, 2024) - An elderly woman was fatally hurt after being hit by a man on an electric bicycle Friday morning in Santa Cruz County, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Helen "Pookie" Hines, an 82-year-old Santa Cruz native, was struck and killed by an e-bike rider along Opal Cliff Drive Friday morning, the Highway Patrol said in a release.
The deadly Sept. 27 collision happened along Opal Cliff Drive, east of Court Drive.
Based on preliminary findings by the CHP, the man was riding an e-bike on the right shoulder of Opal Cliff around 5:50 a.m. when he collided with the 82-year-old Santa Cruz resident Helen "Pookie" Hines, who was walking east of the bicyclist. Tragically, Hines died as a result of injuries.
The man was transported to Dominican Hospital for treatment, according to the report.
Authorities say an investigation is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (COTS), in 2018, around 893 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, a 26% increase from 2014.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that it’s imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Helen "Pookie" Hines may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth,” Formica noted. “However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. 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).