Deadly collision happened at Clara Avenue and North State Street, authorities say
UKIAH, CA, (October 29, 2024) - A motorcyclist was fatally injured in a collision with a car Tuesday afternoon in Ukiah, according to police. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as 36-year-old Jessie R. Hawley of Ukiah.
Jessie R. Hawley, 36, was fatally injured after his motorcycle collided with a Mini Cooper vehicle at Clara Avenue and North State Street Tuesday afternoon in Ukiah, according to police.
It happened at the intersection of Clara Avenue and North State Street around 3:38 p.m.
According to a news release, officers from Ukiah Police, Medstar Ambulance, and the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority responded to the scene where they found a largely damaged Mini Cooper in the intersection and Hawley's motorcycle that was located north of the vehicle. A detailed description of events leading up to the incident was not available.
Anyone with information about the tragic incident was urged to contact the UPD Dispatch Center (707-463-6262).
The investigation is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
“Motorcycle riders are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways, given the fact that there are no airbags or sturdy windows to protect them from an impact,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
In 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes, down 3% from 5,337 in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced accident attorney.
Bond stressed that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation into the crash conducted by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Jessie R. Hawley may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you.
(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).