A 65-year-old Oroville man tragically died Monday when a teen driver made a left turn directly into the path of his motorcycle on Forbestown Road. The Butte County coroner identified the man as Stephen Charles Greenman. According to news reports in the Sacramento Bee, Greenman was travelling west on Forbestown Road when an 18-year-old woman travelling east on Forbestown turned left at Hurleton Road. The 1994 Geo Prizm she was driving collided with Greenman's 2009 Harley-Davidson. Greenman, who was wearing was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the bike and died of his injuries.
The Forbestown Road crash occurred around 3:45 p.m., a few miles east of Olive Highway (CA-162). The driver of the Geo Prizm was identified as Elizabeth Dearden, 18, of Oroville. She and a female passenger in her vehicle both suffered minor injuries. Dearden was not cited immediately following the accident, but, according to a CHP officer, she could face either an infraction over the left turn or a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter for making a left turn causing death. The Butte County District Attorney will determine what charges, if any, the driver will face.
Cause of the Crash
If news reports of this Butte County motorcycle accident are accurate, Stephen Charles Greenman was not at fault for this collision, because he had the right of way, and the teen driver failed to observe him before attempting the left turn and colliding with his motorcycle.
Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability
In addition to possible traffic infractions or criminal charges for the fatal accident, the driver who is believed to have caused the accident may also be held financially responsible for the victim's death in a California wrongful death claim. The family of the victim would be well-advised to speak with a California motorcycle accident attorney about this accident as soon as possible. Monetary damages awarded in a wrongful death action may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship of family members. An experienced attorney can help the victim's family understand and protect their rights, and advise them of their best course of action going forward.
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