On July 27, 2022, a bicycle accident in Pleasanton/Dublin resulted in the wrongful death of an Oakland bicyclist. The victim, a father and husband, was struck by a car and subsequently dragged a significant distance by the vehicle.
The police report included statements from all three passengers of the involved vehicle. However, despite the presence of a pedestrian light indicating right of way, law enforcement initially found the bicyclist at fault, citing tire mark evidence. The insurance company involved was AAA.
Client Details
The victim was a self-employed professional, survived by his wife, who works as a Reimbursement Specialist for CareDX. The family was understandably devastated by the loss and faced significant emotional and financial hardship in the aftermath of the accident. They were seeking legal help to understand their options and pursue justice for their loved one.
Intake Process
The victim’s brother-in-law reached out to GJEL on behalf of the family, as the client was on life support in a coma. The case was brought to attorney Andy Gillin on November 1, 2022. The family was especially concerned about the police report blaming the bicyclist despite the pedestrian light being on. They also requested to be copied on all legal correspondence, which GJEL fully accommodated to support them during this tragic time.
Injury Details & Medical Treatment
The victim suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a brain bleed, indicating the force and severity of the impact. He was trauma-activated and rushed to the ICU at Kaiser Permanente Oakland, where medical professionals worked tirelessly to save his life. Despite their efforts, the catastrophic nature of the TBI proved insurmountable, and the injuries proved fatal.
Legal Process & Challenges
Attorneys Andy Gillin, Ralph Jacobson, and Jim Larsen represented the victim’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in court. The legal battle lasted two years, including depositions and settlement negotiations. The biggest challenge was that the insurance company refused to disclose policy limits, which complicated settlement discussions. Additionally, the black box data from the adverse driver’s vehicle was withheld, creating significant legal hurdles in proving liability.
Case Outcome
After extensive litigation, GJEL secured a $500,000 settlement for the victim’s family, providing financial relief and accountability for the driver’s actions. This result was achieved through the relentless efforts of GJEL’s attorneys, who pursued all available legal avenues to overcome the challenges presented by the withheld black box data and the insurance company’s reluctance. The settlement reflected a fair valuation of the wrongful death claim and provided the family with much-needed financial support.
Attorney’s Statement
“This was a heartbreaking case where a loving husband and father lost his life due to a preventable accident. While no settlement can replace their loss, we hope this outcome provides them some measure of closure.” — Andy Gillin, Attorney at GJEL Accident Attorneys
This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of negligence and the importance of skilled legal representation in wrongful death claims. GJEL Accident Attorneys’ successful $500,000 settlement for the family of the Oakland bicyclist demonstrates the firm’s commitment to pursuing justice, even in the face of complex legal challenges.
By overcoming obstacles such as withheld black box data and disputed liability, GJEL’s attorneys secured a measure of accountability and financial relief for the grieving family. This outcome highlights the firm’s dedication to advocating for victims and ensuring that those responsible for fatal accidents are held accountable.
If you or a loved one has experienced a tragic loss due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced team will thoroughly evaluate your case, answer your questions, and fight for your rights.
We understand the profound impact of losing a loved one and are committed to helping you navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise. Let us help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve during this difficult time. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Antioch office to talk to the legal experts.
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.