Recently in Motorcycle Accidents Category

October 25, 2011

Motorcyclist Killed in Sacramento Hit-And-Run Accident on Interstate 80

motorcycle.jpgSACRAMENTO COUNTY -- A motorcyclist was tragically killed in a Sacramento hit-and-run accident Monday evening, The Sacramento Bee reported. The motorcyclist, Robert Preston Wilson, 64, of North Highlands, was struck by a white Volkswagen Bug at about 8:51 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Capital City Freeway. The impact of collision caused Wilson to be ejected from his bike and land on the freeway. As Wilson was lying on the roadway, a Mitsubishi Eclipse severely struck him as well. Witnesses at the scene told officials that the driver in the Volkswagen was weaving through traffic prior to the crash.

Following the two collisions, the driver of the Mitsubishi stopped, while the driver of the Volkswagen fled the scene of the accident. According to 10 News, the Volkswagen was found abandoned with a flat tire roughly an hour later on Interstate 80 near Elkhorn Boulevard.

UPDATE: 10 News reported on October 27th that the hit-and-run driver involved in a fatal Sacramento accident on Interstate 80 was arrested on Wednesday. The driver, Sequoia Jones, 22, of Sacramento, is being charged with felony hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

Cause of the Hit-And-Run Motorcycle Crash in Sacramento

The accident on October 24th remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, based on the information provided by The Sacramento Bee and 10 News, it is unclear why the driver of the Volkswagen Bug failed to stop. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." Anyone with information regarding this fatal incident is asked to call the California Highway Dispatch at (916)338-6710, or after-hours at (916)861-1300.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one can be traumatizing and devastating for family members. Therefore, while the accident remains ongoing, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. A skilled attorney who has handled Northern California hit-and-run motorcycle collisions, can advise the family of their legal rights, help in efforts to locate the driver, and determine the best course of action to the hold the responsible parties financially liable. If the family decides to take action in a wrongful death claim, an attorney can help them receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to for funeral/burial costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other related damages in this tragic motorcycle accident.

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September 26, 2011

Motorcyclist Injured in Highway 101 Collision Near Hopland

MENDOCINO COUNTY - A 65-year-old Calistoga man was seriously injured Sunday afternoon after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a pickup truck, the Press Democrat reported. The accident was reported at about 12:20 p.m. just south of Hopland. The victim, Randall Gremp, was flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with major injuries. Further details about the cause of the September 25th Mendocino County motorcycle accident were not available; the cause of the collision remains under investigation.

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August 17, 2011

Pedestrian Struck by Motorcycle in Cottonwood

COTTONWOOD - A pedestrian was reportedly struck by a motorcycle Tuesday night in Cottonwood, KRCRTV.com reported. The accident was reported on Main Street near the OK Corral at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2011. According to hews accounts, a group of pedestrians was walking northbound on Main Street when one of them walked in front of a motorcycle that was also travelling northbound. The operator of the motorcycle and the pedestrian both suffered severe injuries and were taken to Mercy Medical Center.

The cause of this motorcycle vs. pedestrian accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, who will surely review witness reports, skid mark evidence, speed, the location of the pedestrian in the street when the collision occurred, and other factors in determining what happened, and who was responsible. If the pedestrian walked into the path of the motorcycle, the pedestrian may be responsible for causing this accident and may be liable for the serious injuries the motorcycle operator suffered. On the other hand, if the motorcyclist caused this crash, he or she may be liable for the injuries the pedestrian suffered. While the cause of this accident remains under investigation, the injured victim of would be well-advised to speak to an experienced northern California personal injury attorney who can help ensure rights to compensation are protected.

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July 25, 2011

Lake County : Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Highway 20 Left-Turn Accident

ca-20-blue-lakes.jpgLAKE 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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June 27, 2011

CHP Investigating Fatal Highway 26 Motorcycle Accident

motorcycleonhighway.jpgCALAVERAS COUNTY - The San Andreas California Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred sometime during the night of June 26th or early morning of June 27th. A passing motorist found a 46-year-old Lockeford man near a barbwire fence off Highway 26 around 5:15 a.m. Monday morning. According to Sonora Mother Lode news reports, the man apparently lost control of his motorcycle and struck a wooden sign east of Burson Road. Jenny Lind firefighters pronounced the motorcyclist dead later in the day. Anyone with information should call the San Andreas CHP office at (209) 754-3541.

Cause of Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the CHP. It is unclear what caused the rider to lose control of his bike. Many single-vehicle motorcycle crashes are initially attributed to rider negligence or carelessness, however, upon further investigation an uneven road surface, pothole or road debris is often discovered to be the real cause of a crash. Defective or faulty bike parts can also cause a tragic motorcycle accident to occur.

Wrongful Death Liability

While this case remains under investigation, the family of the victim should talk to a northern California motorcycle accident attorney. If it is discovered a poor road condition or defective bike part contributed to or was responsible for the motorcycle accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to collect damages associated with their loss. In a wrongful death claim, families may collect damages for funeral and burial expenses, future income and loss of love, companionship and support.

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June 18, 2011

Two Injured in Highway 20 Motorcycle Accident in Mendocino County

WILLITS - An off-duty Mendocino County sheriff's lieutenant and his wife suffered serious injuries last week when the motorcycle they were riding was struck by a 2004 Chevy pickup truck pickup truck pulling a trailer. The accident was reported at 7:35 p.m. about 14 miles west of Willits, according to the Willits News.

According to news accounts, the driver of the pickup truck was looking for a place to pull over and let his dogs run when he spotted a dirt rode on the south side of Highway 20. Without signaling, he braked and began a left turn onto the road. The motorcyclists, following behind the pickup truck, began to pass the vehicle. As the motorcycle sped up, the truck turned into the path of the 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle. The motorcycle slid into the left rear tire of the pickup truck.

The driver of the motorcycle suffered a broken nose and road rash; his wife reported suffered a broken arm, a possible broken hip, and chest injuries. Both were taken by ambulance to Mendocino Coast District Hospital. The driver and passenger in the pickup truck were not injured. The cause of the June 11th Mendocino County motorcycle accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

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May 10, 2011

Helmet Use Reduces Oakland Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Riding a motorcycle in Oakland or other parts of Northern California not only helps save money on gas, but it's also an enjoyable way to get around. However, motorcycles can pose many risks to riders if an accident occurs, especially if helmets are not worn, helmets are not worn properly, or an effective helmet is not worn. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) kicking off spring with May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, all motorists are being reminded of their responsibility to "share the road" safely with motorcycles and motorcyclists are being reminded to stay visible to others on the road.

Motorcycle helmets play an important role because they give riders just about the only protection they can get in the event of a crash. Head injuries are the leading cause of death among unhelmeted motorcyclists. Motorcycles are unenclosed, making helmets and protective clothing essential for a motorcyclist's safety against hard road surfaces. California motorcycle helmet laws are universal, meaning that all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets.

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Data provided by the NHTSA emphasizes the importance of helmets in helping prevent serious injury or death to motorcyclists. Some motorcyclists might think that helmets make them lose their edge or that helmets are not "cool." Other riders might think that helmets interfere with their vision or hearing, which shouldn't be the case if the right helmet is selected and worn properly. Considering that motorcycle helmets saved 1,829 motorcyclists' lives in 2008, riders who have doubts should think again. The good news is that motorcycle helmet use saw a jump from 48 percent in 2005 to 67 percent in 2009.

Oakland motorcycle crash attorneys are familiar with the serious and potentially life-altering consequences that motorcycle accident victims must cope with. There is no denying that compared to cars, motorcycles are more dangerous. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the federal government estimates that per mile traveled, the number of deaths on motorcycles in 2007 was approximately 37 times the number in cars.

Help spread the word about motorcycle safety and accident prevention. Be safe, everyone!

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March 31, 2011

Fresno Accident Involving Small Motorcycle and Pick-Up Truck Results in Injuries

A motor vehicle accident in Fresno that involved a small motorcycle, also referred to as a pocket bike, and a pick-up truck has left a father and son with head injuries. According to an ABCLocal.Go.com report, the crash took place at the intersection of Jackson and Kings Canyon shortly after 8 a.m. on the morning of Thursday, March 31. Police reported that the small motorcycle was traveling south when it failed to stop, therefore striking a pick-up truck that was traveling west on Kings Canyon. The father and son were reportedly not wearing helmets and the small motorcycle bike did not have any brakes.

Apparently, the boy needed a ride to school because he was running late. However, Police stated that the pocket bike is not legally permitted to operate on city streets. At the time the article was published, it was stated that the pick-up truck motorist would not be cited for the crash. However, it is possible that this decision could change after a thorough investigation of the collision.

Accidents involving motor vehicles on the road can happen due to various forms of negligence. While crashes involving small motorcycles do not happen as frequently as collisions involving motorcycles that are legally allowed to travel on the road, any type of motor vehicle accident can have serious consequences.

The aftermath of a motorcycle collision presents many physical, financial, and emotional challenges for an accident victim and their family. Fresno motorcycle crash lawyers can help individuals injured in motorcycle collisions hold negligent parties liable as well as obtain compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, hospital bills, medical treatment, and other expenses.

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March 16, 2011

Motorcyclist Killed in Highway 101 San Mateo Chain Reaction Accident

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.

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January 20, 2011

Woman Injured in Redding Motorcycle Accident

The Redding Record Searchlight reported a motorcyclist was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Redding Tuesday afternoon following a collision with a car. According to news reports, at about 4:45 p.m., Denise Marie Ieye, 48, of Redding, was riding on Bechelli Lane when the driver of a vehicle, Erin Beth Louis, 30, "decided to make a u-turn." Ieye struck Louis' car and Ieye suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The Record Searchlight reported that Louis would be cited for unsafe turning, according to police. Drugs and alcohol apparently were not suspected in the collision.

What is the Law Regarding Unsafe U-Turns?

Under 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."

Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Liability

Redding Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Accidents like this one are surprisingly common, as motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injury in when drivers of larger vehicles make sudden turns. If news reports are accurate and Louis is found to be responsible for this crash, she may also be liable for the injuries suffered by the motorcyclist. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the injured victim would be well-advised to contact a northern California motorcycle accident lawyer about the accident and the victim's legal rights to financial compensation for her injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

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January 13, 2011

Motorcyclist Killed in Highway 12 Sideswipe Crash

california-12.pngSANTA ROSA - A 51-year-old Sebastopol man was very tragically killed in a motorcycle accident Wednesday evening, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. The fatal Sonoma County crash occurred at about 5:35 p.m. on Highway 12, near Dutton Avenue. According to news reports of the incident, the victim, William "Billy Bob" Boltz was sideswiped by a 2003 GMC full-size van while riding his 1996 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Boltz was reportedly riding westbound and passing the van when the driver, Nathan Ham, 32, moved into the fast lane. Ham later told officers that he hadn't seen Boltz or his motorcycle while making the lane change. Boltz was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries. Ham was not hurt.

Cause of the January 12th Highway 12 Crash

The incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Based on the news reports, it appears that the driver of the van may be responsible for the collision. It is unclear what speed the motorcycle and van were travelling when the collision occurred.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Accidents like this one are tragic and heartbreaking, and raise many questions. While officials are looking into the cause of this accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced northern California motorcycle accident lawyer who can review the circumstances of the accident and advise the family of their legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, if negligence of the driver of the van was a factor in this crash, the family members of the victim may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for their loss, including final medical expenses, lost earnings and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages.

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November 30, 2010

Motorcyclist Injured in Chico Intersection Left-Turn Crash

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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November 10, 2010

Wilton Man Killed in Highway 99 Motorcycle Accident

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James Walter Murphy, 55, of Wilton, was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday, November 9th on Highway 99, the Modesto Bee reported. The fatal crash occurred at about 9:55 a.m. north of 47th Avenue. According to news reports, a 17-year-old boy driving a Mercury Sable lost control of his vehicle and overcorrected into northbound lanes and collided with the motorcycle. Murphy was ejected from the bike. He was taken to UC Davis Medical Center with major head injuries, where he died at about 11:30 a.m.

The 17-year-old driver of the Mercury fled the scene and ran south on 47th Avenue. CHP officers went to the teen's home in unincorporated Sacramento County. The teen was taken to the CHP office, where he was questioned and later released to his sister. According to news reports, alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a role in the fatal accident. Charges against the teen are still pending, but may include vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run.

Cause of the Sacramento County Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the fatal Highway 99 motorcycle accident is asked to call the South Sacramento CHP Office at (916) 681-2300, or CHP dispatch at (916) 861-1300. Regardless of what happened, the teen driver should not have left the scene of the crash - not stopping is against the law. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

In accidents such as this one, if it is determined that the other driver caused the crash, the at-fault party or any other party responsible for the accident may be held civilly liable for their actions in a wrongful death claim. While the incident remains under investigation, he family of the victim of this accident would be well-advised to seek a consultation with a knowledgeable northern California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Hit-and-run accidents have unique legal issues. It would be advisable for the victim's family to not delay in contacting an attorney, so that evidence can be preserved, and witness statements can be taken while witness recollections are most accurate. The family may be entitled to compensation for the victim's final medical care expenses, funeral and burial costs, anticipated future earnings, benefits and financial contributions the victim would have made, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.

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September 28, 2010

Oakdale Couple Injured in Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident on Highway 4

An Oakdale couple suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in Calaveras County on Monday afternoon, ThePineTree.net reported. The collision occurred on Highway 4 at Ponderosa Road in the Vallecito area at about 3:45 p.m.. According to the CHP, Kenneth Dray, 61, and Marjorie Dray, 48, were riding their 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound at approximately 55 mph approaching Ponderosa. Brandon Badgley, 17, of Mi Wuk Village, was driving a 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck eastbound on Highway 4 when he slowed at the intersection to turn left onto Ponderosa. He apparently failed to yield to the right-of-way of Kenneth Dray's Harley Davidson and turned into the path of the motorcycle. The collision caused both riders of the motorcycle to be fully ejected simultaneously. Both Kenneth Dray and Marjorie Dray were seriously injured and taken to Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital in San Andrea. Brandon Badgley was not injured.

Cause of the Calaveras County Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the major injury motorcycle crash remains under investigation by the CHP. However, if news reports are accurate, this September 27th Calaveras County motorcycle crash was likely caused by the driver of the pickup truck, who apparently failed to yield to the right-of-way of the Harley Davidson. The law pertaining to left turns is stated in 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 accident is a common type of motorcycle accident caused by the driver of a passenger vehicle. This type of motorcycle accident is especially common involving young, inexperienced drivers who only look for passenger vehicles and negligently fail to look for motorcyclists and yield to their right-of-way. Earlier this month, a 26-year-old Butte County man suffered severe injuries in a left-turn motorcycle accident in Paradise caused by a 17-year-old driver. In July, a Twain Harte motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a left-turn motorcycle accident in Copperopolis caused by a 19-year-old driver.

Personal Injury Liability Issues

In situations such as this September 27th Highway 4 motorcycle crash, the family members of the injured victims would be well-advised to consult an experienced and knowledgeable northern California motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney who has represented numerous victims of left-turn motorcycle accidents can advise the victims and their families of their best course of action to protect their legal rights and recover the maximum financial compensation for their injuries sustained in this accident, including full and fair compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering and other related damages.

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September 24, 2010

Oakland Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Kills 27-Year-Old San Pablo Man

Hegenberger-Leet.jpgA 27-year-old San Pablo man was killed Friday morning when the driver of a Chevy Astro van owned by Sky Chefs made a left turn in front of his bike, the Oakland Tribune reported. The accident was reported at Hegenberger Road and Leet Drive at 5:58 a.m. According to news reports, the motorcyclist, Robert Adams, 27, of San Pablo was riding southbound on Hegenberger Road, while at the same time a Chevy Astro van owned by Sky Chefs (an airline catering and in-flight services provider) was travelling northbound.

The driver of the Chevrolet Astro van, Jose Rodriguez, 46, of Stockton made a left turn onto Leet Drive to head back to company offices. The van collided with Adams' motorcycle. According to police, Adams tried to apply his brakes but collided with the van. He was ejected from the bike and taken to Highland Hospital, where he later died. Rodriguez was not injured in the collision.

Cause of the Oakland Motorcycle Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Investigators are asking anyone with information or who witnessed the collision to contact traffic Officer Peter Hubbert at (510) 851-2127. If news reports are accurate, it sounds as though the driver of the Sky Chefs van may be responsible for this accident for making an unsafe left turn into the path of the motorcycle. The state law pertaining to left turns is found in 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 and Wrongful Death Liability

This accident has a number of unique legal issues, especially since the van that struck the motorcyclist was a company-owned vehicle. In situations such as this September 24th Alameda County motorcycle accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from speaking to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. A motorcycle accident attorney who understands the unique legal issues of left-turn accidents can help the family understand and protect their legal rights to pursue compensation against the at-fault party and advise them of their best course of legal action. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include damages for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated lifetime lost earnings of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship.

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