Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

SAN MATEO- A chain reaction accident in San Mateo that occurred on the morning of March 10, 2011 has left a motorcyclist dead. According to KTVU.com, it was unclear whether others involved in the crash suffered injuries.

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer stated that the chain reaction collision began when a Toyota Corolla smashed into a center diver wall on the highway, rendering the vehicle unable to operate and blocking a lane. The female driver of the car reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The second crash occurred after a Good Samaritan stopped and tried to signal traffic with his flashlight. A motorcycle, Honda CRV, and a big rig were involved in the second accident. The CHP officer stated that while authorities are not sure if the two collisions are related, they think there is certainly a chance. The driver of the big rig left the scene of the accident.

Accidents involving multiple vehicles can be complex. Is it possible that more than one motorist caused the crash? If a person is killed, who can be held responsible? These questions can be even more difficult to answer if a motorist involved in the accident leaves the crash scene. All drivers have the duty to remain at the scene of an accident, whether or not they caused the collision. Hit-and-run charges can lead to criminal charges in addition to the consequences of civil liability.

Wrongful death motorcycle accidents are tragic. In far too many motorcycle accident cases, a motorcyclist's death could have been prevented if another motorist had checked their blind spot before changing lanes or hadn't been speeding. Because motorcyclists lack the same protection an occupant of a truck, bus, or small passenger vehicle has, motorcyclists can be more susceptible to serious injury or death. A San Francisco fatal motorcycle accident lawyer works to protect the rights of family members of motorcyclists killed in accidents caused by another motorist's negligence. Statute of limitations provide a window of time that family members are allowed to pursue compensation and hold negligent parties liable in a California wrongful death case.