Fatal Bicycle and Semi-Truck Crash at Road 60 and Avenue 328 Near Goshen, Tulare County

• What happened near Goshen in Tulare County
• Why early-morning bicycle and semi-truck crashes are complex civil matters
• Rights of families after a fatal bicycle and truck collision in California
• Key California traffic laws that often matter in bicycle and truck collisions
• Who is investigating and what records exist
• How to obtain the CHP collision report
• Autopsy and coroner records; death certificates
• Preserving critical evidence from trucking companies and third parties
• Insurance considerations and common pitfalls
• Timelines and statutes for wrongful death and related claims
• Local community and safety context around Goshen and Road 60
• Practical next steps and local resources
• Call-to-Action: Steps to take promptly and why timing matters
• Commentary from Gosuits Goshen, California Personal Injury Attorney

What happened near Goshen in Tulare County

According to publicly available reporting on Monday, November 10, 2025, the California Highway Patrol responded to a deadly crash involving a semi-truck and a bicyclist just after 4:30 a.m. at Road 60 and Avenue 328 near Goshen in Tulare County. Authorities indicated that a semi-truck struck and killed a person riding a bicycle. The roadway was later cleared and normal traffic flow resumed. Officials had not released further details at the time of the report. We will refrain from speculating about the cause until the investigating agencies provide verified findings.

Why early-morning bicycle and semi-truck crashes are complex civil matters

Crashes between a bicycle and a tractor-trailer are uniquely complex because multiple systems and safety rules may be involved. Lighting and conspicuity equipment on both the bicycle and truck, driver line-of-sight, turn paths and sweep, and stopping distances can all play a role. When a collision happens during pre-dawn hours like this one, investigators often examine roadway lighting, headlight use, reflectors, and any nearby construction or agricultural operations that might change traffic patterns. In Tulare County’s rural road grid, long straight corridors intersect at right angles, and the mix of local bicycle travel with heavy regional freight traffic adds layers of risk.

From a civil perspective, potential responsibility can involve the truck driver, the motor carrier that employs or contracts with the driver, third-party maintenance providers, and sometimes entities responsible for roadway design or traffic control. Determining what happened requires preserving evidence quickly and understanding the regulations that apply to commercial carriers.

Rights of families after a fatal bicycle and truck collision in California

In California, surviving family members may bring a civil wrongful death claim against those whose negligence caused the loss. A related “survival” claim may pursue certain damages the deceased could have sought had they lived. Which relatives can bring a case and what compensation categories may be available depend on California law and the specific facts. Importantly, different deadlines can apply depending on who is potentially at fault, including shorter time limits if a public entity may bear some responsibility.

Families are often contacted by multiple insurance representatives within days of a fatal collision. It’s understandable to want quick answers, but recorded statements or informal conversations can be used later to reduce or deny a claim. Before speaking with any insurer, consider consulting a seasoned attorney for a free case review to learn about rights and obligations.

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Key California traffic laws that often matter in bicycle and truck collisions

Several California rules frequently come into play when evaluating a bicycle and semi-truck crash. These are general points; they don’t determine fault in this case without full investigation.

• Equal rights and duties for bicyclists on the roadway. Bicyclists generally have the same rights and are subject to the same rules as drivers of vehicles, with limited exceptions. See California Vehicle Code section 21200 (CVC § 21200).
• Lane position. Bicyclists traveling slower than traffic should ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge, with important exceptions such as preparing for a turn, avoiding hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side. See CVC section 21202 (CVC § 21202).
• Three Feet for Safety. Drivers passing a bicycle must provide at least three feet of clearance, or if not feasible due to traffic conditions, slow to a reasonable speed and pass only when it is safe to do so. See CVC section 21760 (CVC § 21760).
• Basic speed law. No person may drive at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic, and roadway conditions. See CVC section 22350 (CVC § 22350).
• Turning movements and signaling. A driver must not turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left on a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and must signal appropriately. See CVC section 22107 (CVC § 22107).

These are starting points. In truck cases, federal rules also matter, including driver hours-of-service, logbook and electronic logging device records, and mandatory post-accident testing in certain circumstances. See 49 C.F.R. § 395.8 on log retention (49 CFR § 395.8) and 49 C.F.R. § 382.303 on post-accident testing (49 CFR § 382.303).

Who is investigating and what records exist

For this Goshen-area crash, the California Highway Patrol is the lead collision investigation agency. The Tulare County Sheriff-Coroner typically handles death investigations, identification, and cause of death determinations in the county. The investigating officers and coroner’s investigators collect and produce several important records that families can later request.

Common records include:

• CHP collision report (often referred to as CHP 555). This narrative and diagram summarize party statements, physical evidence, observable violations, and preliminary findings.
• Traffic collision photographs and scene measurements. This can include skid measurements, vehicle resting positions, and roadway conditions.
• Coroner’s report. The coroner’s file can include the cause and manner of death, autopsy findings, and investigative notes.
• Medical records. If any medical care was provided before death, those treating records can be requested by authorized next of kin or a personal representative.
• Commercial carrier records. Separate from law enforcement, trucking companies hold driver qualification files, electronic logging device data, dash camera footage, and maintenance files that are crucial in civil evaluation. These must be preserved quickly.

How to obtain the CHP collision report

The CHP collision report is not automatically mailed. Eligible requesters can obtain it by submitting a written request or the CHP 190 form with identifying details. Here’s how to approach it:

• Use the CHP 190 form. The California Highway Patrol provides a Collision Request Form (CHP 190) for requesting reports and associated media. You can review the form directly from CHP’s website here: CHP 190.
• Include complete identifying information. Provide date and time, exact location (Road 60 and Avenue 328, near Goshen), type of incident, and the names of known parties if available.
• Confirm the investigating area office. The Visalia Area Office commonly handles Goshen-area collisions. When in doubt, the CHP office listed on the incident record can confirm which office holds the file.
• Provide proof of eligibility. Next of kin and legal representatives are generally authorized to receive fatal collision reports.
• Ask about photographs and additional items. If photos, diagrams, or supplemental reports exist, request them at the same time.

CHP may need time to complete and approve a fatal collision report before release, especially if a multidisciplinary accident investigation team is involved. Following up respectfully and periodically is normal.

Autopsy and coroner records; death certificates

In Tulare County, the Sheriff-Coroner oversees coroner investigations. Families typically request:

• Autopsy report and coroner’s investigative report. These documents identify the cause and manner of death and may include photographs and toxicology. Release timing can vary depending on investigative needs.
• Death certificate. A certified death certificate is often needed for probate and civil claims. Death certificates are issued through the county’s vital records office or the California Department of Public Health. CDPH provides statewide information on obtaining certified copies of death records here: California Department of Public Health – Vital Records.

When requesting coroner records, be prepared to provide proof of relationship, identification, and any court paperwork designating a personal representative if one has been appointed. If the investigation is still active, some portions may be temporarily withheld; ask what can be released immediately and what will follow later.

Preserving critical evidence from trucking companies and third parties

Time-sensitive evidence in truck cases can disappear quickly. Families or their representatives can send a written preservation request, sometimes called a spoliation letter, to the motor carrier and any known third parties. A well-drafted preservation request typically identifies the specific items to retain, including:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) and telematics data showing hours-of-service and vehicle movements around the time of the crash. Federal regulations require carriers to retain records of duty status and supporting documents for defined periods. See 49 C.F.R. § 395.8(k) (log retention).
• Dash camera and side-view camera footage from both the truck and, if applicable, any trailer-mounted systems. Camera systems often overwrite data within days or weeks.
• Tractor and trailer maintenance and inspection records, including brake, lighting, and tire documentation.
• Driver qualification file, training records, route assignments, dispatch notes, bills of lading, and delivery schedules that reflect pressure or timing constraints.
• Post-accident testing results if testing was required under federal rules. See 49 C.F.R. § 382.303 (post-accident testing).
• Third-party data sources such as nearby business security cameras, agricultural facility cameras, Caltrans-maintained traffic cameras if present, and 911 audio.

Because retention windows are short, it’s best to move quickly. Coordinating preservation requests through counsel can help ensure they are comprehensive and trackable.

Insurance considerations and common pitfalls

Commercial motor carriers carry higher liability limits, but that doesn’t translate into straightforward claims. Insurers act immediately after serious crashes to protect their financial exposure. It’s common for an adjuster or investigator to reach out early seeking statements or forms. Here are practical cautions:

• Don’t provide recorded statements without counsel. What someone says can be taken out of context and used to shift blame or minimize fault.
• Beware of early, low settlement offers. Quick offers may come before critical facts and damages are known. Accepting can foreclose future recovery.
• Identify all potential insurance layers. There may be multiple policies, including the motor carrier’s liability coverage, a broker’s policy, trailer owner coverage, and sometimes underinsured motorist coverage on a household policy.
• Coordinate benefits and liens. Health insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and funeral expense benefits may create reimbursement rights that must be handled correctly.

For drivers involved, California requires an SR-1 traffic accident report to the DMV within 10 days for collisions involving injury or death. See the DMV’s information on the SR-1 requirement here: DMV – Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1). Families of deceased victims are not typically obligated to complete an SR-1, but they can expect involved motorists to have reporting duties.

Timelines and statutes for wrongful death and related claims

California imposes strict deadlines for civil claims:

• General wrongful death statute of limitations. In most cases, an action for wrongful death must be filed within two years of the date of death. See Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 (CCP § 335.1).
• Claims involving public entities. If a public entity may be responsible for a dangerous condition of public property or similar claims, a government claim generally must be presented within six months. See Government Code section 911.2 (Gov. Code § 911.2).

There are exceptions and nuances, including for minors and delayed discovery, but they’re narrow. Evaluating the correct deadline early helps avoid losing important rights.

Local community and safety context around Goshen and Road 60

Goshen sits just west of Visalia along the State Route 99 corridor, where agriculture, distribution centers, and freight haulers converge. Roads like Avenue 328 and Road 60 connect dairies, packing houses, and neighborhoods with larger arterials. It’s not unusual to see cyclists commuting to work before sunrise, especially during harvest and packing seasons, and to encounter semis entering or leaving facilities nearby.

Central Valley residents also know that late fall and winter can bring dense tule fog, and the pre-dawn hours are often the most challenging for visibility. While we don’t yet know whether weather or lighting played a role here, it’s a reminder that drivers of large trucks and people on bikes both face heightened risks at that time of day. Being extra cautious at rural intersections, using lights and reflectors, and anticipating cross-traffic can save lives.

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Practical next steps and local resources

In the days after a fatal collision, it can be hard to know where to turn. The list below outlines practical steps and community resources relevant to Goshen and greater Tulare County. Select what fits your situation and timing.

• Identify the CHP Area Office handling the case. Ask which office is preparing the collision report and when it may be available. Use the CHP 190 form to initiate your request and follow up as needed. CHP 190 – Request a Collision Report.
• Contact the Tulare County Sheriff-Coroner regarding the coroner’s file. Request the status of the autopsy report, cause of death findings, and the process for obtaining copies once available. Inquire about any property release procedures.
• Obtain certified death certificates. You can request them through Tulare County’s vital records office or the California Department of Public Health’s statewide portal here: CDPH – Vital Records.
• Preserve bicycle and equipment. Keep the bicycle, helmet, lights, clothing, and any attached accessories in their post-crash condition. Don’t repair or discard them; they may be key evidence.
• Document the location. As soon as it’s safe, photograph the intersection at similar times of day, capturing lighting, sightlines, and traffic flows. Look for nearby businesses or agricultural facilities with cameras.
• Keep all communications and bills. Save funeral invoices, memorial expenses, travel receipts, and any letters from insurance companies. This paperwork supports later claims.
• Speak with an attorney before engaging insurance adjusters. Early, well-meaning comments can be misconstrued and used to minimize recovery. A free consultation helps you understand what to share and when.

Local familiarity matters. People in Goshen, Farmersville, and Visalia navigate a road network shared by heavy trucks and local residents heading to work and school. If you gather information, do so safely and with respect for the community and the ongoing investigation.

Call-to-Action: Steps to take promptly and why timing matters

Here’s what should be done now and why waiting can make a difference:

• Start the document trail. Initiate requests for the CHP collision report and coroner records. Doing this early puts you in the queue, since fatal reports can take time to finalize.
• Secure time-sensitive evidence. Ask that the trucking company, trailer owner, and any known logistics brokers preserve ELD data, dispatch notes, camera footage, and maintenance records. These items can be overwritten or lost within days or weeks.
• Map out potential insurance coverages. Determine whether there may be multiple layers of insurance. This helps avoid focusing on a single policy limit when other coverage might exist.
• Protect communications. Decline recorded statements and avoid signing medical or records releases from insurers until you understand the implications. Statements can be used to reduce the value of the claim.
• Calendar legal deadlines. Note the two-year wrongful death deadline in most cases and shorter deadlines if a public entity could be involved. Early evaluation prevents last-minute rushes and errors.
• Seek a free, confidential case review. A prompt consultation clarifies rights, helps prioritize evidence, and can prevent avoidable missteps when insurers call.

Taking these steps sooner rather than later helps preserve the truth of what happened and lays the groundwork for informed decisions. Timing affects whether critical logs, camera footage, and electronic data still exist when requested.

Commentary from Gosuits Goshen, California Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts go out to the family and the Goshen community after this devastating loss. Collisions like the one reported at Road 60 and Avenue 328 touch many lives — relatives, coworkers, first responders, and neighbors who travel those same roads every day. This article is offered for educational purposes and general information during a difficult time.

Based on what’s publicly known so far, this was a pre-dawn crash involving a semi-truck and a person riding a bicycle on a rural Tulare County road. In our experience with Central Valley roadways, early-morning incidents at rural intersections often require a careful look at lighting, visibility, lane positioning, and the movements of large trucks when turning or changing lanes. It’s important that investigators collect all available scene data and that the motor carrier preserves its electronic records. Only a full factual record can support sound conclusions about responsibility.

Insurance companies and corporations invariably move fast after serious crashes — often faster than families can. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements, broad medical releases, or quick signatures on settlement documents. They know the system and the timelines, and they rely on the fact that most people don’t. That information gap can translate into lost evidence and minimized claims. Keeping conversations limited, documented, and guided by counsel helps prevent missteps that can be hard to undo later.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s the importance of getting a free consultation early. A prompt conversation with a skilled attorney helps prioritize preservation letters, clarifies which reports to request and when, and offers practical guidance on handling insurance outreach. It won’t take away the grief, but it can protect rights while the family focuses on what matters most.

References

California Vehicle Code sections on bicycling and roadway rules: CVC §§ 21200, 21202, 21760, 22107, 22350 available via the California Legislature’s site: California Legislative Information.

CHP Collision Request Form: CHP 190.

California DMV SR-1 reporting information: DMV – Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1).

California wrongful death statute of limitations: CCP § 335.1.

Government claims deadline: Gov. Code § 911.2.

Federal motor carrier regulations on log retention and post-accident testing: 49 CFR § 395.8 and 49 CFR § 382.303.