A 25-year-old Twentynine Palms resident and active duty U.S. Marine was very tragically killed Friday night when a car pulled out in front of his Yamaha motorcycle on Twentynine Palms Highway, the Press-Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at State Route 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) and Indian Cove Road, at 6:31 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2010. According to news reports, the victim, Omar E. Salazar, was riding westbound on his Yamaha motorcycle when a vehicle travelling southbound on Indian Cove Road pulled out in front of him. The impact caused Salazar to be ejected. Salazar was taken by ambulance to Hi-Desert Medical Center, where he died of his injuries at 7:19 p.m., according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner.
Cause of the Twentynine Palms Highway Motorcycle Accident
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Morongo Basin Station. However, based upon the limited information in news reports, it sounds as though this fatal San Bernardino County motorcycle accident may be the result of a right-of-way violation. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21804, (a), "The driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic, as defined in Section 620, approaching on the highway close enough to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that traffic until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety. "
Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability
If it is determined that the driver of the vehicle that pulled out in front of Salazar is at-fault for this collision, he may be liable for the wrongful death of the victim, in addition to traffic citations or criminal charges for negligent driving. In situations such as this one, while the cause of the accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from consulting with a knowledgeable San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who understands the unique legal issues of right-of-way violation fatal motorcycle accidents can help the family understand and protect their legal rights to compensation for their loss, including final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings, benefits and financial contributions the victim would have made to his family, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.
Sources: Press-Enterprise, Cactus Thorns
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