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Man seriously hurt in Vacaville motorcycle accident
Vacaville Police inspect a motorcycle that crashed into a big rig on Nut Tree Road near Fairview Drive Thursday in Vacaville. (Robinson Kuntz/Daily Republic)
VACAVILLE — A 36-year-old Vacaville man suffered major head injuries Thursday when his motorcycle hit a big-rig truck that was turning in front of him.
The motorcyclist was originally taken by ground ambulance to Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center, but was then flown to Kaiser in South Sacramento because of his injuries, said Sgt. Mark Donaldson.
As of press time, the man was undergoing surgery and was in critical condition, Donaldson said.
Donaldson said the man’s identity was being withheld pending notification of kin. The man was wearing a “skull cap” type of helmet and suffered severe injuries to the back of his head, Donaldson said.
The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. and forced Vacaville police to shut down Nut Tree Road near Alamo Drive for three hours while they investigated. The Raley’s truck sat facing north, with the cab about to enter the driveway of a shopping center, crossing both lanes of traffic.
The motorcycle was traveling south and was destroyed on impact, sending parts several feet in all directions. Many of the pieces were decorated with custom Oakland Raiders designs.
Donaldson said the investigation is ongoing, but it seemed the motorcycle driver wasn’t speeding, based on the skid mark leading to the point of impact. He said that based on the position of the truck, it appeared the truck driver pulled in front of the motorcycle.
The driver, Rickie Williams of Sacramento, was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Donaldson said. He was not cited at the scene and Donaldson said the investigation would be forwarded to the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, which will make the decision about filing possible charges.
Reach Danny Bernardini at 427-6935 or dbernardini@dailyrepublic.net. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dbernardinidr.
Danny Bernardini
Discussion | 17 comments
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anonymousFebruary 14, 2013 - 7:23 pm
God bless the man on the motorcycle, hopefully he can pull through and for the man driving I understand he is just doing his job and probably feels terrible, but there is simply no one to blame here thats why its called an "accident" they happen every second, hope both these drivers learn from this and are okay.
Reply |TRISHAFebruary 14, 2013 - 7:26 pm
I agree, no one to blame simply sorry for both parties hopefully all turns out well.
Reply |ReginaFebruary 14, 2013 - 8:58 pm
I was there, I pray for both men, and this was a true accident!
Reply |angieMarch 21, 2013 - 12:19 pm
That was my brother Frank on the motorcycle you were there
Reply |VacavilleFebruary 14, 2013 - 9:56 pm
It was absolutely a terrible tragedy. I read on facebook that he passed away. thoughts and prayers to his wife and family. The truck was turning, the motorcycle going straight... it's one of those true accidents, no one was doing anything illegal.
Reply |AmberFebruary 14, 2013 - 10:51 pm
As of an hour ago, he is still in critical condition. This is my cousin....please keep the prayers coming!!!
Reply |MaryFebruary 15, 2013 - 2:24 am
I know my cousin will pull through. He has a very strong bloodline. We are praying for you Frankie. God will see you through. Trust in him with all of your heart.
Reply |deliaFebruary 15, 2013 - 9:31 am
THE COMMENT FROM THE PERSON FROM VACEVILLE WHAT EVER YOU READ ON FACEBOOK IS NOT TRUE!!! THIS IS MY COUSIN,,PLEASE DONT WRITE SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT!!! IT'S UPSETTING TO THE FAMILY.. PRAYERS FOR FRANKIE AND HIS FAMILY.
Reply |GeorgeFebruary 15, 2013 - 8:51 am
That semi truck was the direct reason for this tragic ( all to often ) abuse that motorcycle rides endure every day. Report says M/c was not speeding and that the truck drive was the cause, so please look out for cycle's !
Reply |illuminatiFebruary 15, 2013 - 3:56 pm
are you kidding me, dont act like motorcyclist dont drive STUPID, splitting lanes is just as dangerous as turning without looking, yea a driver made a turn without seeing a motorcycle on a shady street with traffic and thats what caused the accident could have been a car it doesnt matter point is motorcyclist have to understand the dangers of getting on that bike and never gettin back off alive...
Reply |illuminatiFebruary 15, 2013 - 4:00 pm
regardless of the situation, lets hope this man survives and the truck driver can continue to drive without a feeling of guiltyness i know the truck driver personally, nicest guy ive ever met and also has a HUGE heart so dont think both these men arent struggling one is physically one is mentally hopefully both can pull through, i know RICK was holding the motorcylcist hand praying for him before the ambulance came thats the type he is
Reply |Christine in FFFebruary 15, 2013 - 10:00 am
I hope the gentleman makes a full recovery~ this was a terrible accident~ but the fact remains~'accidents' are labeled as 'accidents'~ but someone is ALWAYS at fault. Certainly not intentional, but one or both parties involved makes a mistake or misjudgement that causes the 'accident'.
Reply |So sadFebruary 15, 2013 - 11:18 am
I've learned not to try and out speed a semi,or drive next to them.They don't pick up speed or stop as fast as a regular car.Maybe the truck thought it could make the turn? I wasn't there, so I can't speculate.I'm scared of motorcycles and semi's. This is sad for both drivers, and I pray the motorcycle driver makes a full recovery.
Reply |Tammy lindsleyFebruary 15, 2013 - 9:48 pm
I'm sad , he is my sons dads best friend since childhood. I just saw him 2 days ago. I pray he makes it thru. He's a awesome guy and deserves to live.
Reply |tabithaFebruary 16, 2013 - 5:06 pm
This is my auntie angies brother and my mama lauras baby brother. He is declared brain dead and will be pulling the plug from life span. It is horrible that this happend and he isnt making it thru it. Im so sorry to them all and im praying that this family makes it thru this tragedy;
Reply |barbara labrado posadaFebruary 17, 2013 - 2:04 pm
this is my cuzin and he didnt make it.he passed on today.and my heart goes out too my family..his dad mom sisters.all of theme ...you just dont know anybodys drive ing these day...a semie truck almost smashed my daughter into another car and caused her acc and didnt even stop....
Reply |jamesFebruary 19, 2013 - 5:10 pm
I cant totally understand your feelings and pain I too have lost friends family due to such tragic outcomes, but one thing i learned was to forgive the one who didnt purposely do this and is probably going through a lot himself, i know its nothing to wat the family feels but stay strong and know that while we was layingon the pavement not only was god by his side but so was the driver praying for him...not driving off, not showing no remorse...from what ive heard about frank is he was one hell of a citizen and know rick he to is one hell of a guy a feel bad this happened to someone so caring and giving just a lesson to ALL give semi truck and motorist there space cause you never know RIP...forgiveness is the strongest asset to such accidental things like this, amen
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