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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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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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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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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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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A 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.

Continue reading "Oakland Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident Kills 27-Year-Old San Pablo Man " »

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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A 47-year-old Twain Harte man suffered serious injuries Thursday afternoon in a motorcycle accident in Copperopolis, mymotherlode.com reported. The July 22nd Calaveras County motorcycle crash was reported at 12:10 p.m. on Copper Cove Drive, near Feather Drive.

According to CHP reports, the motorcyclist, Joseph Cognetti, was travelling westbound on Copper Cove Drive, while a GMC truck driven by Diego Salas, 19, of Turlock, was travelling eastbound. Salas apparently did not see Cognetti before he attempted to turn northbound into a service station. The motorcycle collided with Salas' GMC truck. Cognetti suffered major injuries and was aiflifted to Modesto Memorial Hospital.

Cause of the Copper Cove Drive Crash

If news reports are accurate, it appears that the driver of the GMC is responsible for the collision, by failing to yield to the right of way of the motorcycle However, the cause of the crash still remains under investigation. The CHP will look at factors such as the speed of both vehicles, whether or not the driver or motorcyclist was impaired, and other factors in determining exactly what happened.

Motorcycle Accidents and Personal Injury Liability

If it is established that the Turlock man driving the GMC truck caused this accident, he may be liable for the Cognetti's injuries sustained as a result of this accident, including medical treatment and care expenses, lost earnings or wages, and pain and suffering. In situations such as this one, where a negligent driver may be responsible for an accident resulting in serious injuries, the family of the victim would be well-advised to contact a northern California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can review the unique legal issues of this accident and help the victim and his family protect their legal rights to maximum compensation in a personal injury claim.

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