Santa Cruz, CA (September 27, 2024) – An early morning collision involving an electric bicycle claimed the life of 82-year-old Helen “Pookie” Hines in Santa Cruz.
Accident Details and Ongoing Investigation: The accident occurred around 5:50 a.m. on Friday along Opal Cliff Drive, east of Court Drive. An 80-year-old man was riding an e-bike on the road’s right shoulder when he collided with Hines, who was out for her regular morning walk. The circumstances that caused the collision remain unclear and are still under investigation.
Hines was airlifted to Valley Medical Center with major injuries but tragically passed away later at the hospital. The bicyclist also sustained injuries and was transported to Dominican Hospital via ground ambulance. At this time, CHP has stated that drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be factors in the crash.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this accident raises several questions that need thorough investigation. Given the tragic outcome, investigators will likely examine various factors to determine liability. Key questions include:
- Speed and Operation of the E-Bike: Was the e-bike being operated at a safe speed, especially considering the presence of pedestrians on the road? E-bikes can reach high speeds, and determining whether the cyclist was riding within safe limits is crucial. If it is found that the e-bike rider was negligent in any way—whether through unsafe riding practices or failing to yield to a pedestrian—he could be held liable for damages.
- Road Conditions and Visibility: What were the road and lighting conditions at the time of the accident? It was early morning, and poor visibility or road hazards may have contributed to the crash. Another question is the design of Opal Cliff Drive. Was it designed to safely accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists? These problems may implicate the city or county responsible for the road’s design and maintenance.
If the investigation identifies negligence as the cause of the accident, the family of Helen Hines may consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. They may be able to recover compensation for their devastating loss and hold the negligent party accountable.
Helen Hines’s daughter, Cindy Diola, described her as the beloved matriarch of their family and a cherished figure in her community. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Helen Hines during this incredibly difficult time. I hope the investigation provides the necessary answers to understand how this tragedy occurred.
Source: KSBW