A fatal dirt bike accident in Fresno County has resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man who was riding a dirt bike near Coalinga. The incident on Highway 33 is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Accident Details
According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 8 PM when the victim was riding a dirt bike along the shoulder of the westbound lanes of Highway 33 near San Joaquin Avenue, just outside of Coalinga. CHP officers reported that the rider crossed over onto a road near an orchard and then drove through a wire, sustaining fatal injuries.
The impact with the wire appears to have been the primary cause of the fatal injuries, according to preliminary reports. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the collision, but despite their efforts, the 31-year-old rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin.
Investigation Underway
The CHP is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic collision. While the exact cause of the accident is still being determined, authorities have indicated that neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be contributing factors in the incident.
Investigators are working to establish why the rider veered from the highway shoulder onto the orchard access road and whether visibility conditions, mechanical issues with the dirt bike, or other environmental factors may have contributed to the accident.
CHP officials have asked any potential witnesses who may have been in the area around 8 PM to provide information that could assist their investigation. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office is also conducting its standard examination to determine the precise cause of death.
Dirt Bike Safety Concerns
This unfortunate accident highlights the potential dangers of dirt bike riding, particularly near public roadways. Dirt bikes are primarily designed for off-road use, and riders must exercise extreme caution when operating near highways or transitioning between riding areas.
Statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that dirt bike accidents account for thousands of emergency room visits annually, with a significant percentage involving riders transitioning between off-road terrain and paved surfaces. Dirt bikes’ unique handling characteristics, including their lightweight frames and knobby tires, can make them particularly challenging to control when moving between different surface types.
Additionally, many riders may underestimate hazards like wires, fences, and other obstacles that are difficult to spot in low-light conditions, especially when riding in unfamiliar areas or along the periphery of agricultural properties where such barriers are common.
Legal Considerations for Off-Road Vehicles
In California, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles are subject to specific regulations regarding where and how they can be operated. Many dirt bikes are not street-legal and lack the equipment for safe highway use, such as headlights, turn signals, and mirrors.
California Vehicle Code sections 38001-38506 specifically address the operation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including dirt bikes. Riders must register their vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles and display either a green sticker (for year-round use in designated areas) or a red sticker (for seasonal use with emissions restrictions).
Operating an unregistered dirt bike on public lands or alongside highways can result in significant fines. Furthermore, riders on or near public roadways must understand that even when riding on shoulders or in adjacent areas, they remain subject to rules concerning right-of-way and may face legal liability if their actions contribute to accidents or property damage.
Personal injury attorneys often encounter cases where riders are unaware of these regulations, leading to complicated liability issues following accidents.
Prevention and Safety Measures
To prevent similar tragic accidents, riders should:
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including DOT-approved helmets
- Remain aware of surroundings, especially near roadways
- Know and follow local regulations regarding off-road vehicle operation
- Ensure proper visibility, especially when riding at night
- Stay on designated trails and riding areas
Safety experts recommend that dirt bike riders invest in high-visibility gear with reflective elements, particularly when riding at dusk or at night. Advanced rider training courses can significantly improve handling skills and hazard awareness, with studies showing that formal training reduces accident rates by up to 30%.
Additionally, pre-ride equipment checks are essential—inspecting brakes, tires, lights, and controls before each ride can identify potential mechanical issues before they lead to dangerous situations.
Many experienced riders also advocate for the buddy system, especially in remote areas, ensuring that someone can seek help in case of an accident. Local dirt bike clubs often organize group rides that provide both safety in numbers and knowledge sharing about trail conditions and potential hazards in specific riding areas.
Resources for Riders
Those who frequently ride dirt bikes or off-road motorcycles should familiarize themselves with local regulations and safety recommendations. The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division provides valuable information about legal riding areas and safety requirements.
In Fresno County specifically, riders can access information through the Central Valley OHV Club, which maintains updated trail maps and conducts regular safety workshops for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) offers comprehensive online courses focused on off-road riding techniques and safety protocols that can be particularly valuable for novice riders.
Additionally, local motorcycle dealerships often sponsor rider education programs and can direct enthusiasts to proper training resources. The California Highway Patrol also conducts periodic dirt bike safety clinics throughout the Central Valley, providing hands-on instruction from experienced officers.
For those seeking legal guidance following an accident, organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation can connect riders with legal professionals who specialize in cases involving off-road vehicles and understand the unique challenges these incidents present.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of motorcycle safety and the potential risks riders face, particularly those operating off-road vehicles near public roadways.
Understanding Settlement Values in Motorcycle Accidents
When the tragic aftermath of a motorcycle accident leads to legal proceedings, victims and their families often struggle to understand potential compensation. Motorcycle accident settlement calculators can serve as valuable preliminary tools in estimating potential settlement values.
These online calculators typically consider medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. While no calculator can provide an exact figure due to the unique circumstances of each case, these tools help establish realistic expectations before consulting with an attorney.
Settlement values for dirt bike accidents may differ from those for standard motorcycle accidents, particularly when factors like off-road vehicle regulations and the location of the accident are involved.
Legal experts recommend using these calculators only as a starting point, as actual settlements depend heavily on specifics such as insurance policy limits, degree of fault, jurisdiction, and the skill of the legal representation involved in negotiating the claim. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“As someone who has represented countless accident victims over my decades in personal injury law, I’m deeply saddened by this tragic dirt bike accident. If you or a loved one has been affected, please understand that you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Even in cases involving off-road vehicles, multiple parties may bear responsibility—from property owners to equipment manufacturers. The pain and financial burden following such a devastating loss can be overwhelming. Still, proper legal representation can help ensure your family receives the justice and compensation needed to move forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to understand your rights and options during this challenging time.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been involved in a dirt bike accident in Fresno County or anywhere in California, don’t face the aftermath alone. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the complexities of off-road vehicle accidents and their devastating impact on families.
Our experienced team of motorcycle accident attorneys has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients, with over $950 million recovered since 1978. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Time limitations apply to personal injury claims, so don’t delay seeking the professional legal guidance you deserve. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our San Francisco office to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Local Traffic Safety Resources
For residents and visitors of Fresno County seeking comprehensive information about this tragic dirt bike accident or general traffic safety in the region, numerous official resources are available to assist you:
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Fresno Area Office
- Primary Investigating Agency: The CHP Fresno Area Office is leading the investigation into this fatal dirt bike collision
- Contact Information: (559) 705-2200
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/central-division/offices/(450)-fresno
- Services Available:
- Request and obtain official accident reports
- Receive updates on ongoing accident investigations
- Access traffic safety programs and educational materials
- Report hazardous road conditions or dangerous driving behaviors
- Speak with officers trained in motorcycle safety enforcement
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
- Contact Information: (559) 600-3111
- Website: www.fresnosheriff.org
- Services Available:
- Secondary accident response in unincorporated areas
- Traffic enforcement on county roads
- Rural area patrols and off-road vehicle enforcement
- Public safety announcements regarding traffic hazards
Fresno County Department of Public Works and Planning
- Website: www.fresnocountyca.gov/departments/public-works-planning
- Services Available:
- Real-time road condition updates throughout Fresno County
- Traffic advisories for rural and agricultural areas
- Highway maintenance reports and schedules
- Interactive maps showing high-risk accident zones
- Information about road design and safety features near agricultural properties
California Office of Traffic Safety
- Website: www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/campaigns/motorcycle-safety
- Services Available:
- Detailed motorcycle safety educational resources
- Statistical data on off-road vehicle accidents throughout California
- Safety grant programs for local enforcement agencies
- Free safety training course information
- Specific resources for dirt bike and off-highway vehicle operators
Emergency Medical Services – Fresno County
- Emergency Contact: 911
- Non-Emergency Information: (559) 600-3387
- Services Available:
- Trauma care coordination information
- Emergency response protocols for remote areas
- Air ambulance service details for rural accident scenes
Accessing these resources can provide invaluable assistance for accident victims, their families, and anyone concerned about promoting safer roadways throughout Fresno County, particularly in agricultural and rural areas where off-road vehicle use is common.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.