Mark Taylor, 46, was killed in a San Diego car accident after an unlicensed driver made a U-turn in front of him, the San Diego Union Tribune reports. The fatal collision occurred the evening of September 15, 2009 in Ramona, California. A 28-year-old woman was driving a 2007 Dodge Caliber west on Hanson Lane when she stopped, made a U-turn without noticing the also westbound 1993 Honda motorcycle driven by Taylor. The Caliber crossed in front of the motorcyclist's path. Taylor struck the driver's side of the car. He suffered major injuries and died at the scene of the crash. The woman who was reportedly driving a rental car could face criminal charges.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Mark Taylor for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.
San Diego Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 50 fatalities and 985 injuries were reported in San Diego County involving motorcycle accidents.
Based on this newspaper report, it appears that the unlicensed female driver was at fault here. A majority of motorcycle accidents happen when drivers of other vehicles make left or U-turns in front of motorcyclists. California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states the following requirements for drivers making a left turn or a U-turn: "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."
An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Taylor's family would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will help determine the facts of this case, identify the negligent parties and hold them accountable. A skilled California car accident attorney will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this fatal crash. If that was the case, the city or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. In such cases, California Government Code requires that a claim be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
If the unlicensed driver does not have car insurance, Taylor's family could receive compensation based on the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause in his own car insurance or any other policy that he may have benefits under. A knowledgeable injury lawyer will be able to tell victims' families about their legal rights and how their car insurance might apply to such car accidents.
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 source for the facts 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, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.
We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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