Deadly collision happened at Contra Costa Boulevard and Dexter Drive in East Bay, authorities say
PLEASANT HILL, CA, (October 23, 2024) - A young man lost his life in a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle Wednesday evening in Pleasant Hill, police said. The victim has since been identified as 18-year-old James Unfreed.
James Unfreed, an 18-year-old East Bay local, was identified as the motorcyclist killed in a crash with another vehicle at Contra Costa Boulevard and Dexter Drive on Wednesday evening, police said.
Tragically, Pleasant Hill resident Unfreed died from injuries at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.
According to a statement released by Pleasant Hill police, Unfreed was riding a motorcycle northbound on Contra Costa Boulevard around 6:40 p.m. when he collided with a vehicle turning left from the southbound direction onto Dexter Drive. The driver of the other vehicle, whose identity was not available, did not suffer any injuries, police said.
Anyone with additional information about the accident was urged to contact the police at 925-288-4600.
This is an active investigation.
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 James Unfreed 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).