A man was injured in a car accident in Santa Barbara the morning of May 11, 2010 after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that was leaving a shopping center. According to a KSBY news report, the collision occurred in the 3900 block of State Street. The 55-year-old motorcyclist was broadsided by another vehicle that was exiting the Five Points Shopping Center, Santa Barbara fire officials said. The man sustained what were described as "moderate injuries" and was transported to a nearby hospital. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
I hope this motorcyclist has not sustained any serious injuries. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Motorcycle Accidents
According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and seven injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Santa Barbara, California. Countywide, six people died and 85 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.
Fault and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the other vehicle may have been at fault for failing to notice the motorcycle. It is not entirely clear what caused the driver to keep exiting the shopping center, ahead of the approaching motorcycle. Was he or she impaired? Was the driver distracted? Was he or she inattentive, driving recklessly or negligently? Was there a dangerous condition on the street or in the private property, which may have caused or contributed to this collision? I trust officials will be closely examining these and other factors in order to determine how or why this collision occurred.
Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the crash and ensure that the negligent parties are held responsible. If there was a dangerous condition on the private property, the property owner can be held liable.
If the dangerous condition was present on the public roadway, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be properly filed within six months of the incident. Injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Do you believe motorists should be "extra conscious" while looking for motorcycles and smaller vehicles/pedestrians while making movements such as turns or exiting a parking lot?
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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