Lawsuit Filed Against Big Rig Driver and Owner in Portola Valley Death of Avid Cyclist, Mother

Dec. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21, 2010 – Robert C. Ward and his two children have filed a wrongful death lawsuit (case no. 501695) in San Mateo County Superior Court against Randazzo Enterprises Inc. and its big rig driver Gabriel Manzur Vera in the Nov. 4 death of Lauren Ward, an avid cyclist killed while riding her bike near Alpine Road and Highway 280.  The suit, filed by Rouda, Feder, Tietjen & McGuinn’s John M. Feder, comes on the heels of a California Highway Patrol report that notes the fatal collision with Ward was the big rig driver’s third.

“Lauren was an experienced cyclist who was strong and confident on her bike, knew the rules of the road and advocated for bicycle safety.  While the CHP was conducting its investigation, we brought in scientists and other experts to evaluate the circumstances surrounding Lauren’s tragic death, and the team disagrees with the CHP’s conclusions as to the cause.  As a result, Bob and the Ward children would like a jury to hear the evidence and decide,” said John Feder of Rouda, Feder, Tietjen & McGuinn.  

On Nov. 4 at 3:38 p.m., Lauren Ward, a 47-year-old nurse and Los Altos Hills resident, was riding her Trek bicycle westbound on Alpine Road near Highway 280 in Portola Valley. The 26-wheel big rig, driven by Vera and owned by Castroville-based Randazzo Enterprises, drove directly into the cyclist’s path, causing her death, according to the complaint.  

The CHP report released Monday notes that Vera has been involved in two prior collision fatalities but was found not at fault in each case.  There are no eyewitnesses on record.  

“This is the third death involving this particular driver, and the Wards are the third family to suffer the loss of a loved one.  It’s critical that we get our day in court and lay out the chain of events that transpired the afternoon of Nov. 4.  We encourage any witnesses that may have been in the area to contact the Redwood City CHP at 650.369.6261 or my office at 415.398.5398,” urged Feder.

Rouda, Feder, Tietjen & McGuinn represents injured individuals throughout California, and nationwide.  Founded in 1980, the firm focuses on catastrophic-injury, wrongful-death, employment, and medical-malpractice cases.  For more information visit:  http://www.rftmlaw.com/

#   #   #