SANTA ROSA - A 51-year-old Sebastopol man was very tragically killed in a motorcycle accident Wednesday evening, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The fatal Sonoma County crash occurred at about 5:35 p.m. on Highway 12, near Dutton Avenue. According to news reports of the incident, the victim, William "Billy Bob" Boltz was sideswiped by a 2003 GMC full-size van while riding his 1996 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Boltz was reportedly riding westbound and passing the van when the driver, Nathan Ham, 32, moved into the fast lane. Ham later told officers that he hadn't seen Boltz or his motorcycle while making the lane change. Boltz was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries. Ham was not hurt.
Cause of the January 12th Highway 12 Crash
The incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the van may be responsible for the collision. It is unclear what speed the motorcycle and van were travelling when the collision occurred.
Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability
Accidents like this one are tragic and heartbreaking, and raise many questions. While officials are looking into the cause of this accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer who can review the circumstances of the accident and advise the family of their legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, if negligence of the driver of the van was a factor in this crash, the family members of the victim may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for their loss, including final medical expenses, lost earnings and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages.
Sources: Press Democrat
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