James Hayward Julian IV, 26, was killed in a San Bernardino County motorcycle accident after he was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver on the 215 Freeway the night of June 14, 2009, the San Bernardino Sun reports. Julian was riding a 1991 Suzuki motorcycle south on the 215 Freeway when 28-year-old Daniel Palmer, who was driving a 1999 Ford pickup truck, struck him from behind near Second Street, California Highway Patrol officials said.
Both Julian and his female passenger were thrown off the motorcycle. The motorcycle hit a freeway barrier and landed in the center divider. The woman suffered a broken elbow and several abrasions to the right side of her body. Palmer kept driving on the freeway and hit a tractor-trailer. The driver of the big rig truck was not injured.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of James Hayward Julian IV for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.
This fatal San Bernardino motorcycle accident would probably not have happened had the driver, Daniel Palmer, made the choice not to drink and drive. I trust Palmer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He should be held both civilly and criminally liable for what happened to Julian and the injured California motorcycle accident victim.
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were 308 car accident fatalities and 9,920 personal injuries involving car accidents in San Bernardino County. Out of those 105 deaths and 1,174 personal injuries were reportedly alcohol-related.
It is not only unethical and extremely irresponsible to drive when you are intoxicated, but it is also a serious crime - one with grave consequences. California Vehicle Code section 23152 (a) states: “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.” A driver whose drunk driving results in the death of another person could face vehicular manslaughter charges.
The family of James Hayward Julian IV would be well advised to consult with reputed California personal injury attorneys, who have the experience and successful track record of financially pursuing drunk drivers. At Bisnar | Chase, we strongly believe that these negligent and irresponsible drivers must be held liable for the personal injuries and damages they've caused innocent victims. In cases where DUI crashes result in death, families of deceased victims may be able to file wrongful death claims, which would compensate them for funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages.
SLS Consulting
Mz. T.T. said:
Being as though I ride a motorcycle, this really saddens my heart to hear of this young man loosing his life all because someone made the ignorant decision to drink and drive. Due to Daniel Palmers decision a life that he did not create was taken and he should be punished to the fullest because he probably still did not learn his lesson and will no doubt drink and drive again as I'm sure this was not his first time.
Angry Rider