Man transported to Memorial Medical Center with major injuries after Sonora crash
SONORA, CA, (July 31, 2025) - A bicyclist was seriously hurt after being struck by a car in downtown Sonora on Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on Highway 49, just north of Old Sonora/Columbia Road.
Michael Bellinger, 43, was seriously hurt after being struck by a vehicle along Highway 49 in downtown Sonora on Thursday morning, according to authorities.
Authorities identified the victim as 43-year-old Michael Bellinger of Sonora.
CHP reported that Bellinger was riding his bicycle northbound when a 43-year-old man driving a 2019 Ford sedan behind him veered onto the shoulder around 10:45 a.m. and struck Bellinger with the passenger side of the vehicle.
Bellinger sustained major injuries and was transported to Memorial Medical Center. The driver, also from Sonora, was not hurt in the crash.
The incident remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Bicyclists are some of the most at-risk users of the road, and even low-impact collisions with vehicles can lead to serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 1,105 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2022. Bicyclists’ deaths accounted for 2.6% of all motor-vehicle traffic fatalities.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced bicycle accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, Michael Bellinger may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that the stress and uncertainty following a serious injury can be overwhelming, affecting every aspect of a person’s life — from family and work to finances and overall well-being.
“It is essential for victims to seek legal representation when filing a personal injury claim, as an attorney can negotiate effectively with insurance companies on their behalf,” Bond said.
“Insurance providers often try to push for a quick settlement that undervalues the case. A skilled attorney will fight to make sure the victim is treated fairly and receives the full compensation they deserve.”
Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).