Two motorcycle-related accidents on the westbound 91 Freeway in Corona sent three riders to the hospital this morning. According to the Press Enterprise, the first accident involved an Anaheim police motorcycle officer who was reportedly knocked down by another rider in the carpool lane near Main Street.

A motorcyclist was killed last night at about 9:00 p.m. in an accident that happened in Downey. According to the Long Beach Press Telegram, the victim, a 36-year-old man, was aboard his Honda motorcycle when he collided with a GMC Safari van being driven by a 49-year-old woman. The accident occurred on Imperial Highway near its intersection with Ardis Avenue, and the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the accident scene.

According to a report by the Press Enterprise, a 52-year-old motorcyclist was killed Tuesday in a traffic collision along a busy street in Ontario.  Citing official sources, the Enterprise reported that the victim, Robert John Tangredi, was pronounced dead at a local hospital about 3 hours after the collision.  The accident happened just after 9:00 a.m. in an industrial area at the intersection of Parco Avenue and Francis Street.  It is unknown what caused the accident, but it does not appear anyone was cited in relation to the incident.

Motorcycle Accident Risk

Riding a motorcycle on city streets carries a significant risk of injury and death.  It is no wonder some people say there are only two types of motorcycle riders: those have been down and those who are going down.  While deaths from automobile accidents have been on the decline recently, the number of motorcycle crash-related deaths has been on the rise.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcyclist death rates increased 55% from 2001 to 2008 (1.12 per 100,000 persons in 2001 to 1.74 per 100,000 persons in 2008).  To reduce the risk of a serious or fatal accident, riders should always wear a DOT approved helmet.  Head and neck injuries are the second most common type of injuries sustained by motorcyclists in nonfatal collisions, according to recent studies.

Responsibility For This Tragic Accident

While it is unknown what specifically caused this fatal accident, from a review of the accident scene it appears only one of the parties would have been required to stop at the Parco and Francis intersection.   Although the streets are relatively straight and flat, there are trees that line Francis which could affect a driver's or rider's ability to see cross traffic at the intersection.  Visibility is often a factor in the happening of auto versus motorcycle accidents.  Motorcyclists should always think about that aspect of being a rider and do what they can to maintain their visibility while on the road.  To assess liability for the accident above, a personal injury attorney can analyze the subject Traffic Collision report, witness statements and accident scene photographs to determine whether a wrongful death action would be meritorious.  

SOURCE:  ONTARIO: Traffic wreck kills motorcyclist, December 13, 2012, Richard Brooks

 

A Mission Viejo motorcycle collision may be deemed a hit-and-run and left a motorcyclist with serious injuries, according to witnesses and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday when a 50-year-old unidentified motorcyclist was traveling on Alicia Parkway at Coronel Drive and possibly hit a parked car. The motorcycle then crashed, seriously injuring the rider who was rushed to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Dennis Zafran, a 61-year-old motorcyclist from Anaheim, was pronounced dead Wednesday after languishing in an area hospital for several days following a motorcycle accident, according to the Orange County Register.

A 28-year-old man was killed Wednesday in a motorcycle accident in Buena Park, according to the Orange County Register. Steven Bach of Buena Park was riding his motorcycle through a residential area around 7:00 p.m. when he collided with an SUV at the intersection of Western Avenue and Fillmore Drive. Police have not released any information on who was at fault in the crash or what led up to the accident. Bach was immediately taken to the hospital but died within an hour from traumatic injuri

The crash occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the proximity of Ball Road on the southbound side of Highway 57, according to the California Highway Patrol. A silver Honda without license plates made an illegal lane change and struck a motorcycle rider who was splitting the lanes nearby. The motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital with moderate injuries. The car did not stop after the collision. Five other drivers stopped to render aid and give a description of the motorist to the police. The Cal

Travis Tucker, 29, died in a motorcycle accident on the Ortega Highway during a traffic backup around noon on Saturday, according to the Orange County Register. Mr. Tucker was driving a 2004 Suzuki motorcycle and swerved to avoid a Honda that made a sudden turn into the left lane to avoid rear-ending backed-up traffic.

A motorcycle accident yesterday afternoon in the Inland Empire claimed the life of a 23-year-old rider.  The accident happened at the intersection of Arrow Route and Almond Avenue in the City of Fontana.  According to the article by the Press Enterprise, a driver was making a left turn from Almond onto Arrow when the collision occurred.  The motorcycle rider, Sergio Moral-Perez, was traveling west on Arrow when the collision occurred, and he apparently died at the scene.    The driver of the car and his passenger reportedly sustained minor injuries.  The investigation into the precise cause of the collision is continuing

See the Press Enterprise story HERE.

While left turn accidents are not uncommon, this one seems difficult to understand.  The intersection where the accident occurred is flat and open.  There does not appear to be any impediment to the driver's ability to see Moral-Perez as he was traveling west on Arrow.  However, since the speed of the motorcycle is unknown, it remains to be seen how much time the driver had to see, perceive and react to the approaching bike.  The greater the speed of Moral-Perez on Arrow the less time it would take for him to reach the Almond Avenue intersection.  Drivers often make decisions based on perception and expectation of speed given traffic conditions and speed limits.  Only a complete accident reconstruction will enable investigators to determine fault for this tragic accident.

Compensation for the victims of motorcycle accidents caused by a reckless or careless driver or should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver makes an unsafe turn and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling auto and motorcycle accident cases.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a driver making an unsafe turn?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

 

 KTLA news has reported a hit-and-run accident that occurred in San Bernardino on Tuesday night.  A 17-year-old girl crossing the street on her skateboard was was struck by a speeding motorcycle.  Citing official sources, KTLA has reported the motorcyclist was traveling approximately 75 miles per hour, more than twice the speed limit at the intersection of 31st and E streets, where the girl was struck.  The victim was taken by ambulance to Loma Linda University Medical Center where she was listed in critical condition.  The police are still searching for the rider of the Japanese sports bike involved in the accident.

See the KTLA news story and photographs HERE.

This tragic accident would appear to be one that could easily have been prevented.  The motorcyclist, assuming the speed above is accurate, was traveling much too fast for the conditions.  At 7:30 p.m., it was dark outside, and the area of the accident is essentially residential.  At a speed of 75 miles per hour, the motorcycle was traveling over 110 feet per second, leaving no margin for error and almost no time to take evasive action in the event there was a pedestrian or skateboarder who suddenly appeared in the roadway.  The motorcyclist flight from the accident scene is strong evidence of consciousness of guilt, and the rider (when and if caught) could easily face felony hit-and-run charges.  Beyond that, this young girl is entitled to be compensated for the injuries and damages she sustained in the accident.

Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a reckless driver or motorcycle rider should  be an important concern for all Californians.   When a driver or rider operates their vehicle at an excessive speed and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.   An Orange injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling auto and motorcycle accident cases.   He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by excessive speed?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

 

The Orange County Register reported  a fatal motorcycle accident occurred this morning on the 91 freeway in Anaheim.  The collision reportedly happened at about 7:45 a.m. this morning just east of North Imperial Highway, when the motorcyclist apparently ran into a silver BMW.  The impact caused the motorcycle rider to fall hard and, in spite of being rushed to Western Medical Center, he died of his injuries at the hospital.

See the Register story and photographs HERE.

The details of how this tragic accident occurred are not yet known.  From photographs taken at the scene, it appears the rider was wearing a helmet as one can be seen on the ground next to where his bike came to rest.  Motorcycle safety has been and is currently a major concern for the National Transportation Safety Board.  From 1997–2008, the number of motorcycle fatalities increased 150 percent, an increase that far exceeds that of any other form of transportation.  Although the number of motorcycle fatalities decreased in 2009, the number of motorcycle fatalities in any recent year has been more than double the number of deaths the same year from accidents in aviation, rail, marine, and pipeline combined.

In 2009, more than 4,400 motorcyclists died in crashes, and motorcycle fatalities accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities. Although rising motorcycle use may partly explain this trend, increases in fatalities have outpaced increases in activity measures, such as motorcycle registrations and vehicle miles traveled.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head injury is a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.   The use of a safety helmet, one that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, is the “single critical factor in the prevention [and] reduction of head injury."  The above information and even greater detailed can be examined at the official NTSB website.

Compensation for victims of motorcycle traffic accidents, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver negligently causes an accident with a motorcyclist, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County trial lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an automobile versus motorcycle accident?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.  This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

The Press Enterprise reported today that a 5-year-old girl died at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday after being injured in a two-vehicle collision in Mead Valley.   Janet Gomez, of Perris, died at 3:08 p.m. at Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley, about 45 minutes after the collision at Kinney and Haines streets, the coroner's office said in a news release.  Janet was a passenger in one of two vehicles, reported to be a Jeep and a small sedan. Citing Fire Department sources, the Enterprise reported five other people were injured, two suffering moderate injuries, and three with minor injuries.

See the story HERE.

In an unrelated incident, a 40-year-old Hesperia man died last night after a motorcycle crash in Colton.  Citing San Bernardino County coroner's officials, the Enterprise reported the accident occurred at 5:09 p.m. Tuesday.  The motorcycle rider, John Steven Lang, was riding a 2002 Yamaha north along Iowa Street south of the Interstate-215 on-ramp when he collided with a 1997 Ford utility truck traveling in the same direction.  According to the article, the investigating police officer has apparently concluded Lang was passing on the right when he collided with the front end of the Ford utility truck.  The victim died at  5:58 p.m. at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

See the story HERE.

The above accidents are still under investigation, and it is unknown what will be determined as the primary cause of these two tragic collisions.  Since both accidents happened during daylight hours, lighting was apparently not an issue.  However, the accident involving Lang may involve a visibility issue in that the truck driver apparently did not see Lang in time to avoid the collision.  With regard to Lang's apparent passing on the right, the California Vehicle Code does contain the following relevant provision:

§ 21755.  Passing on right safely (a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting that movement in safety. In no event shall that movement be made by driving off the paved or main-traveled portion of the roadway...

Here, it is unknown why and under what circumstances Lang reportedly attempted to pass the utility truck and whether that turning maneuver was reasonably safe.  Accident reconstruction, based on photographs, debris location, roadway marks and eyewitness accounts, will likely solve this tragic puzzle.

With regard to the accident in Mead Valley, involving little Janet Gomez, the primary cause and any related, contributing factors remain to be seen.  However, whenever a child of this age, 5 years, is the only one killed in an automobile collision the use of appropriate seating is to be considered.  In California, Vehicle Code § 27360 requires (with certain exceptions) the use of a child passenger restraint system or safety belt if the child is less than 6 years old or weighs less than 60 pounds.  It is highly likely the investigating agency looking into the Gomez accident will consider this an important factor in determining whether this tragedy could have been avoided.

Compensation for victims of automobile accidents, caused by a driver’s negligence, should be an important concern for all Californians.  The same holds true for the victim's families.  When a driver operates their vehicle carelessly a fatal accident, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County wrongful death attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you lost a loved one  in a motor vehicle accident?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.  This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

According to a story in the Orange County Register, a beloved Fullerton Union High School teacher died today, more than three weeks after he was seriously injured during a traffic collision.  Jeff Rupp, a 58-year-old government and philosophy instructor and 2007 teacher of the year, was critically injured after colliding with a car while riding his 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle during the evening hours January 19th.  Rupp died just after 2 p.m. Friday, Orange County Coroner's Office officials said.  The exact cause and location of his death weren't immediately clear.

As for the circumstances surrounding the accident, police say Rupp was riding northbound on Euclid Street when the driver of a 2004 Hyundai sedan traveling southbound on Euclid made a left turn in front of him in the Malvern Avenue intersection.  Rupp, who suffered head injuries and broken bones in the collision, was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange in very critical condition.   According to updates of Rupp's condition posted on the Fullerton Union High School web page, Rupp was moved from the intensive-care unit at UCI Medical Center to a different facility early Friday but remained in a coma and nonresponsive. Several hours later, the school posted "with a very heavy heart" that Rupp had passed away.

Police do not believe that alcohol, drugs or excessive speeds were factors in the crash but are investigating the driver of the Hyundai for failing to yield. No charges have been filed.

See the full story and photographs HERE.

It is very unfortunate that accidents just like the one above happen with alarming frequency.  Motorcycles simply are not as visible as automobiles and drivers often overlook their approach during their turning maneuvers.  It goes without saying that a motorcycle is no match for even a small passenger car when these accidents occur, and safety equipment (even DOT required helmets) cannot prevent serious injuries or fatalities.  In the situation above, the driver of the Hyundai had an obligation to comply with the requirements of California Vehicle Code § 21801, which provides in part:

(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.

It seems a logical inference that the driver of the Hyundai violated this section, unless there are circumstances beyond the operator's control that would have blocked his view of the oncoming motorcycle.

Compensation for victims of motorcycle traffic accidents, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver operates their vehicle carelessly and causes an accident with a motorcyclist, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County trial lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an automobile versus motorcycle accident?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.  This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.