Motorcyclist Killed Due To Dangerous Public Roadway and Negligent Truck Driver

Most motorcycle accident attorneys will admit that motorists, especially motorcycle riders, are faced with many dangers on the road. In 2007, 38-year-old Lauren Pavlock was riding his motorcycle on a public California roadway. When a left turning tractor-trailer pulled out in front of him, blocking his path, he hit the tractor-trailer and suffered fatal injuries.

Attorneys representing Pavlock's wife and daughter filed a wrongful death lawsuit against James H. Clark & Sons Trucking for negligent driving of a tractor-trailer. Also named in the suit was the State of California , citing a dangerous roadway condition of public property.

"Years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funded the Hurt Study, which investigated almost every aspect of 900 motorcycle accidents in the Los Angeles area," noted John Bisnar, California motorcycle accident attorney. "The study found that in two-thirds of multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcyclist's right-of-way and caused the accident. It also found that the typical motorcycle accident allows the motorcyclist less than two seconds to avoid a collision."

According to the California Highway Patrol, motorcycle accident deaths in the state rose to 474 in 2007. Motorcycle fatalities for 2008 are expected to rival a record set back in 1991 when 512 people lost their lives in accidents--that was also the last year that motorcyclists were allowed to ride without helmets. While these numbers are alarming enough, the total number of deaths in California may actually be higher since these statistics don't include motorcycle accident deaths that occur on city streets.

In Pavlock's case, a California jury found both James H. Clark & Sons Trucking and the State of California liable for Pavlock's death and awarded Pavlock's wife and daughter $3.5 million. The trucking company paid $2 million and the State of California paid $1.5 million towards the $3.5M settlement.

"We applaud Mrs. Pavlock's courage in going after the trucking company and the State for their negligence," noted California motorcycle accident lawyer and motorcycle enthusiast, Brian Chase. "Our hope is that this lawsuit, and the similar lawsuits we have filed against the State of California and private companies will pressure them to become more responsible, thus avoiding conditions that can lead to further motorcycle accidents and fatalities."

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries as the result of a defective auto part or vehicle, contact the experienced California auto products liability attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE for a free consultation. We will use our extensive knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible results for you and your family.

Be on the Hit-and-Run Lookout

BISNAR | CHASE, in conjunction with WeTip, a leading anonymous crime reporting service and law enforcement advocacy non-profit organization, is launching a program intended to wipe out hit-and-runs in the state of California by offering rewards for tips leading to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers. See Hit-and-Run Reward for more details.

BISNAR | CHASE 2006-2010 Super Lawyers names outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. BISNAR | CHASE has received this award for five consecutive years. Brian Chase was named one of the 2010 Top 50 Orange County Lawyers.