Nikolas Pavelic, 21, was killed in a San Francisco car accident after his motorcycle was struck by an SUV at a local intersection. The San Francisco Examiner reports that the crash occurred early morning on April 24, 2010 at the intersection of Quintara Street and 48th Avenue. San Francisco police said that Pavelic was taken to a local hospital where he died. The driver of the SUV was uninjured. The driver of the SUV was not cited or arrested pending an official investigation.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Nikolas Pavelic for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. This young man's grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 349 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the city of San Francisco. Also, in 2008, car accidents claimed 35 lives and injured 3,577 in San Francisco, during the same year.
Circumstances of the Crash
This news report does not offer much information about how or why this fatal motorcycle crash occurred. However, the article states that the accident occurred at a street intersection. The question arises whether one of the vehicles failed to yield right-of-way or whether one of the vehicles ran a red light. We also do not know whether the SUV was making a left turn at the intersection. A number of motorcycle accidents occur when the other driver is making a left turn and fails to see the oncoming motorcyclist.
Laws and Liability Issues
Failure to yield right-of-way is a serious traffic violation. According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."
If the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for Pavelic's wrongful death. If there was a dangerous condition at this intersection, which caused or contributed to this horrific crash, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could also be held liable. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to explain to victims their legal rights and options in such cases. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
What precautions would you take as a motorcyclist to prevent such accidents at street intersections?
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.
SLS Consulting
Anthony said:
I was just doing a google search for my best friend, to which this article is referring to, to see if i could find any more information. Niki was the greatest of people. i love him so much. Be safe, and wear your helmets.