Riverside, CA (January 15, 2025) – On the afternoon of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 40-year-old Nicholas Pitcock tragically lost his life in a scooter accident in Riverside.
Accident Details: The collision occurred around 4:35 p.m. on La Sierra Avenue near Cochran Avenue in front of La Sierra High School. According to Riverside Police, Pitcock was traveling southbound in the northbound lane of La Sierra Avenue when a 21-year-old woman driving a sedan exited the high school parking lot, initiating a turn. The scooter and the sedan collided head-on. Emergency responders transported Pitcock to Riverside Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead less than an hour later. The driver of the sedan remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Driver Behavior: The driver’s actions in turning onto a busy four-lane street must be closely examined. Did the motorist adequately assess the road for oncoming traffic, including the southbound scooter traveling in the wrong lane?
- Scooter Rider’s Positioning: Pitcock was riding southbound in a northbound lane. While this action may have contributed to the collision, investigators must evaluate whether other factors, such as unclear traffic signage or road conditions, played a role.
- Visibility and Line of Sight: The location, near the high school, raises questions about whether parked vehicles, landscaping, or other obstructions may have impacted the driver’s ability to see the approaching scooter.
- Road Design and Safety Measures: The proximity to La Sierra High School suggests a need to review whether appropriate safety measures, such as speed limits, crossing signals, and signage, were in place and adequately maintained to prevent such accidents.
The family of Nicholas Pitcock may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim if another’s negligence caused the collision. Even if Pitcock is also found liable for driving the wrong way, his family may still be able to recover compensation reduced by his portion of the fault.
My sincerest condolences to Nicholas Pitcock’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Source: My News LA