Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

A 21-year-old man was injured when his motorcycle collided with another vehicle in a Chico intersection, the Enterprise-Record reported. The accident, which involved a BMW 650 motorcycle and a Honda Civic, happened Monday, November 29, 2010, just after 12 p.m. at the intersection of West Fifth and Walnut Street (California State Route 32). According to news reports, the driver of the Honda Civic, an 18-year-old Corning man, reportedly attempted a left turn in front of the motorcyclist, Ryan Clemensen, 21. The driver of the Honda Civic told police he did not see the bike.

Cause of the Butte County Accident

Chico Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. However, based on the news reports, it appears that this accident may have been caused by the driver of the Honda Civic making an unsafe left turn into the path of the motorcyclist. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents

The left-turn motorcycle accident is unfortunately a common type of accident is a common type of accident caused when the driver of a passenger vehicle does not see a motorcyclist (but should have). Young and inexperienced drivers are frequently involved in these accidents. On September 27th, an Oakdale couple was injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident on Highway 4 in Calaveras County involving a 17-year-old driver. On September 6th, a Paradise man suffered severe injures in a left-turn crash on Pentz Road in Butte County involving a 17-year-old driver.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

When accidents such as this November 29th motorcycle accident occur, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer who is also an avid motorcyclist and who has represented a number of left-turn accident victims can advise the victim of their best course of action to protect their legal rights following a serious injury accident.

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A 26-year-old Paradise man suffered severe injuries Monday afternoon in a collision with an SUV in Butte County, the Paradise Post reported. The crash occurred on Pentz Road at about noon, near Ponderosa Elementary School. According to news reports, the motorcyclist, Daril Lee, was riding south on Pentz Road, while at the same time, a 17-year-old boy was driving a white Chevy Blazer northbound on Pentz. The teen driver of the Blazer reportedly saw one of his friends pass him going south. He made a sudden left turn into the elementary school parking lot to turn around, and collided with Daril Lee and his motorcycle. Lee, who was wearing a helmet, was flown by Enloe FlightCare helipoter to Enloe Medical Center.

Cause of the Butte County Motorcycle Accident

The Paradise Post reported that officers said that the teen driver of the Blazer appeared to be responsible for the accident, which remains under investigation. The state law pertaining to left turns is found in California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety." Based on the facts reported of this September 6th accident, the motorcyclist likely had the right-of-way.

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The Chico Enterprise Record reported today that a Chico man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana after he allegedly struck and killed a Chico woman Thursday morning on Oro Chico Highway. The fatal Durham accident occurred just after 9 a.m., about three-fourths of a mile east of Midway. The victim was identified as Carrie Jean Hollman, 57. The driver of the vehicle that struck Hollman, Jimmy Candido Flores, 25, was arrested at the scene of the accident. Flores, who has a previous felony DUI conviction, claimed a dog in his vehicle jumped in his arms and caused him to swerve and strike Hollman.

Cause of the Fatal Pedestrian Accident

The California Highway Patrol reported that Flores "displayed objective symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance." Flores claimed to be driving 35 mph, but investigators were not sure that was accurate, based upon the distance that Hollman's body was thrown on impact. The cause of the July 22nd accident remains under investigation.

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana

In California, driving under the influence of marijuana (or alcohol, or any controlled substance) is unlawful, under Vehicle Code Section 23152. Causing an accident while under the influence of marijuana carries the same penalties as drivers under the influence of alcohol. In addition to criminal charges for driving under the influence, the driver who is suspected to have caused this Butte County accident while under the influence of marijuana may be liable for Carrie Jean Hollman's death in a wrongful death claim. While this accident remains under investigation, the family of the victim would be well-advised to seek a consultation with a northern California wrongful death lawyer about the unique legal issues of this accident, and the family's options for holding the driver (and any other contributing parties) financially accountable for their loved one's death.

Advocates for Stopping Drunk Driving Accidents

At Estey Bomberger, we support maximum criminal punishment for drunk drivers, including those who drive the influence of controlled substances. We believe drivers should be held accountable for the accidents they cause and lives they destroy. It is our believe that families of victims should receive the maximum possible compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim, including punitive damages where relevant. We support MADD and other organizations that raise awareness about how drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs destroys families. Visit our website, stop-drunk-driving.com for more information about what you can do to help stop drunk driving in your community.

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