Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

LAKE COUNTY - The Press-Democrat reported a 58-year-old Oregon man was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital after a collision Sunday morning on Highway 20. According to news reports, the motorcyclist, Milo Manley, 58, was riding eastbound on the rural highway near Blue Lakes. At the same time, Paul Ruggirello, 33, of Plumas Lake, was travelling westbound and slowed to turn left into a business. He apparently did not see Manley approaching and turn into the path of the motorcycle. The impact caused Manley to be thrown from his bike. He suffered serious injuries, including multiple broken bones. The driver and a passenger in the vehicle were not hurt.

Cause of the Lake County Motorcycle Crash

At this point, there are simply more questions than answers as to why this collision occurred. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash and so far do not believe alcohol played a role in the crash. The CHP will surely look at the speed of both vehicles and many other factors in determining what happened, and why. Based on the limited information in news reports, it is unclear why the driver of the car failed to yield to Manley's motorcycle. Many left-turn motorcycle accidents occur when the driver is simply looking for other automobiles, and fails to notice an approaching motorcycle. This type of collision is unfortunately fairly common.

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Following a major injury accident such as this July 24th collision, the injured victim's family would be well-advised to contact an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of motorcycle intersection accidents and collisions caused by driver negligence can help the victim protect his legal rights to recover compensation for his injuries in a personal injury claim. Damages obtained in an insurance claim may include medical care and treatment expenses, lost earnings due to being unable to work, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Because state laws limit the amount of time an injured party has to pursue a claim, it is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible following an accident.

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UPPER LAKE -- A 29-year-old man tragically died and two young children were killed Monday evening in a solo-vehicle vehicle on Elk Mountain Road, the Lake County News reported. According to reports, Carlos Eddie Narvaes was driving a 1991 Toyota Previa minivan southbound on Elk Mountain Road, when he lost control of the vehicle. The minivan went into oncoming traffic and exited the west edge of the road and struck an uphill embankment. The collision caused the minivan to overturn. Narvaes, who the CHP stated was not wearing a seat belt. was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred just after 5 p.m., about 2.2 miles north of Pitney Lane. The children were taken to UC Davis Medical Center and Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland. The cause of the May 23rd fatal car accident remains under investigation.

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A 73-year-old Ukiah man was found dead Thursday morning off the side of Highway 20, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The man, whose name was not immediately released, was found by a Caltrans Worker at about 8:50 a.m., west of Reclamation Road. Based on the evidence found at the scene, authorities determined that the vehicle that struck the man was a silver Honda Civic made between 1993 and 1995. The vehicle had been travelling west on Highway 20 when it veered onto the shoulder and struck the elderly man in his wheelchair. The driver fled the scene.

Officers later located a Honda Civic in Nice with right-side damage. They interviewed the driver, Manuel Herrerra, 30, and arrested him on suspicion of hit-and-run. According to the Press Democrat, Herrera told authorities he was running late for work and travelling up to 80 mph when he struck the man on the shoulder of the highway.

Cause of the Fatal Highway 20 Crash

The cause of the fatal Lake County crash remains under investigation. Based on the news reports of the incident in the Lake County Record Bee and the Press Democrat, it appears that this accident was caused by the negligent driving of Manuel Herrerra. There is no excuse for failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing injury or death. - it is required by law under California Vehicle Code Section 20001. It is unclear exactly how this particular accident occurred, but it is possible that if Herrera had stopped at the scene and called 911, this man might have been able to receive medical treatment that could have saved his life.

Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

In addition to criminal charges for causing this accident and failing to remain at the scene of this crash, the at-fault driver may also be held liable in a civil claim for the victim's wrongful death. In situations such as this one, where the driver of a car is suspected to be responsible for killing a pedestrian, the victim's family may benefit from speak to a knowledgeable northern California wrongful death lawyer. An attorney who has successfully represented victims of hit-and-run accidents on state highways will be able to advise the victim's family of their best course of action to protect their rights, hold the driver accountable, and recover the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to receive.

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