Carl Jensen, 61, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after a motorist turned left in front of him at a street intersection in Rialto, The Press-Enterprise reports. The San Bernardino County Coroner's officials say that Jensen was riding a 2005 Road Star motorcycle west on Agua Mansa Road the afternoon of July 23, 2010, when the driver of a 1997 Buick Par Avenue sedan turned north in front of him on to Enterprise Drive. The vehicle struck the motorcycle and Jensen was critically injured. He was transported to a regional hospital where he died shortly after the crash. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Carl Jensen for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 13 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Rialto. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 34 people died and 532 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.
Law Relating to Right-of-Way
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Buick made a left turn in front of the motorcycle and may have failed to yield right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle. California law required motorists at intersections to yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles before making a left turn.
California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "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."
Liability Issues
I trust Rialto police officials are also looking into whether the driver of the Buick was impaired, distracted, speeding, driving recklessly or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for Jensen's wrongful death. Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
What are some of the most dangerous roadways or intersections for motorcyclists in your city or neighborhood?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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