Hunter Dixon Killed in Chico Motorcycle Accident at Main Street and 8th Avenue
Chico, California (September 27, 2021) – A motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon in a crash with a car at an intersection in Chico, according to the Chico Police Department.
The deadly collision was reported a little after 4:15 p.m. Sunday, September 26, at the intersection of Main Street and 8th Avenue.
The police said 18-year-old Pesiaune Finau of Chico was driving a vehicle westbound on 8th St. when he allegedly ran a red light at the intersection and hit the motorcycle that was traveling northbound on Main St.
The vehicle then crashed into a building.
Motorcyclist Killed in Collision at Main Street and 8th Avenue in Chico Identified
The motorcyclist, who has since been identified as 26-year-old Hunter Dixon of Chico, was taken to the Enloe Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Finau and one other person in the car were able to walk away and wait for medical treatment.
Finau was later arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and taken to the Butte County Jail.
The intersection of Main Street and 8th Avenue was temporarily blocked while the investigation and cleanup took place.
No other details about the crash were immediately available.
The crash remains under investigation.
Motorcycle Accidents
It is almost impossible to escape injuries in motorcycle accidents. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and safety gear all the time. Helmets save lives by reducing the severity of head injuries in the event of a collision. Should you be involved in a motorcycle accident, you are encouraged to notify the authorities, who will then issue you a written report of the incident. You are also encouraged to take photos of any injuries you suffer and damages to your motorcycle. Also, remember to keep copies of any medical records and bills and any related expenses.
Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include
- Lane splitting – Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Lane splitting may lead to motorcycle accidents due to: the close proximity of the vehicles to the motorcycle, limited space for the motorcycle to manoeuvre, the presumption by other motorists that no cars or motorcycles will be passing them in slowed or stopped traffic.
- Unsafe turns – Vehicles making turns usually collide with motorcycles when the bikes are: going straight through an intersection, passing the car, or attempting to pass the vehicle. When these types of accidents happen, the drivers of the involved vehicles may be held accountable for the crash. However, it is good to note that the motorcyclist may also be partly to blame if, for example, they were speeding or riding in the wrong lane.
- Speeding – Riding at high speeds reduces the rider's ability to slow or stop safely in case of a hazard or slowed or stopped traffic. The rider ends up crashing into other cars or loses control of the motorcycle after applying emergency brakes.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in California
Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries – most often to the rider of the motorcycle, according to P. Mark Shayani, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and managing attorney at Pacific Attorney Group.
According to Mark, a separate and independent investigation is very important. “The investigation will help determine the exact cause of the accident. An attorney will conduct background checks, locate witnesses to the accident, as well as review applicable insurance coverage” Mark stated.