Bicyclist killed, trucker guilty

08-25-2004, 05:58 PM

Steinwedel vs. Yuba Trucking
Settlement: $5,000,000
Santa Clara County Superior Court, Case No. CV762894
July 8, 1999
Bicycle / Truck Accident

Jeffrey Steinwedel was a 48 year-old computer engineer who worked
often with the Pentagon and various military installations around the
world. He was riding his bicycle along Stevens Canyon Road [below the
dam] in Cupertino when he was run over and killed by a double-dump
trailer which was trying to pass. When apprehended, the driver of the
truck denied any involvement in the accident.

Mrs. Steinwedel asked O'Reilly, Collins & Danko to investigate. The
Firm immediately obtained a court order preserving the truck as
evidence. Its subsequent inspection of the truck's trailer disclosed
fibers from Mr. Steinwedel's clothing, and paint from his bicycle,
proving that it was indeed the rig which struck Mr. Steinwedel. It
was also clear from the accident reconstruction that there was more
than enough room for the truck driver to safely pass Mr. Steinwedel.
The Firm demonstrated that it was the driver's lack of experience and
training, as well as his lack of concern for a bicycle rider, which
were the sole causes of Mr. Steinwedel's death.

Charges of vehicular manslaughter were brought against the truck
driver. O'Reilly, Collins & Danko worked with the District Attorney
to establish the evidence needed to identify and conclusively prove
that the defendant's driver was indeed the one who had hit
Mr. Steinwedel and that the accident was the driver's fault and not
Mr. Steinwedel's. The driver was ultimately convicted.

After the conviction, O'Reilly, Collins & Danko negotiated settlements
against the driver's employer totaling $5,000,000.

Jobst Brandt
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