Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

A 59-year-old Moreno Valley man tragically died Saturday after a woman driving a sedan allegedly cut off his Harley-Davidson, throwing him off his bike. The fatal Riverside County motorcycle accident happened Saturday, August 28, 2010, at about 12:45 p.m. on westbound State Route 60, about 500 feet east of Day Street in Moreno Valley. The Desert Sun reported the driver of a 1999 Daewoo Leganza, Stephanie Clation, 38, was travelling in the fast lane and the motorcyclist, Albert Jackson Welch, 59, was travelling in the carpool lane. When traffic started to slow, Clation allegedly swerved into the carpool lane and into Welch's path. Welch reportedly braked, but was unable to avoid striking the bumper of Clation's vehicle, and was ejected from his bike. Welch was rushed to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he died about an hour after the crash.

Cause of the Fatal 60 Freeway Motorcycle Crash

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the fatal crash. However, if news reports are correct, it appears that the driver of the sedan is likely responsible for causing this fatal accident. A charge of misdemeanor manslaughter will be sought against Clation, the Valley News reported.

Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

If it is determined that Clation is responsible for this fatal motorcycle accident, as it appears to be the case, she may face criminal charges for her actions that resulted in the death of Albert Welch. Additionally, she may be held financially responsible for her actions in a civil claim for wrongful death. In situations such as this one, where negligent or reckless driving is suspected to be the cause of a fatal accident, the family members of the victim may benefit from seeking counsel of an experienced and knowledgeable California motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights, and advise them of their best course of action going forward. Damages the family may be entitled to for their loss include money for funeral and burial expenses, future income and benefits, and loss of love, care, and companionship.

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The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported that Benjamin Anthony Romero, 35, of Lucerne Valley, tragically died Monday night in a motorcycle accident on Highway 18. The Lucerne Valley crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of the highway, near Cody Road, at 8:25 p.m. on July 26, 2010.

According to news reports, Romero collided with the side of a 2004 Dodge pickup truck that was in front of him, when it made a right turn. The impact forced him off the bike. He was then struck by a westbound 2005 Ford pickup truck.

Cause of the Highway 18 Motorcycle Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident. Based on the limited information provided in news reports of this incident, it is impossible to tell who was responsible for the crash. The CHP will surely look at factors such as the speed of the motorcycle, and both pickup trucks, as well as possible impairment of any other drivers, and whether or not the Dodge made a safe turning maneuver.

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A 61-year-old Riverside man died Friday in an accident in Rialto, the Press-Enterprise reported. Carl Jensen was riding a 2005 Yamaha Road Star motorcycle westbound on Agua Mansa Road when the driver of a 1997 Buick Park Avenue made a left turn in front of his motorcycle at the intersection of Enterprise Drive. The accident was reported at 4:08 p.m. Jensen was taken by ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where he died of his injuries at 5:51 p.m.

Cause of the Crash

If news reports in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and Press-Enterprise are accurate, this crash was likely caused by the driver of the Buick sedan. The Rialto Police department is investigating exactly what happened, and will look at factors such as the speed of the vehicles and possible distractions or impairment.

Possible Wrongful Death Liability

While authorities are still looking at all causes and possible contributing factors to this fatal accident, the family of the victim would be well-advised to speak to an experienced Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer about this left-turn accident and the possible wrongful death liability involved. An experienced attorney can advise the victims of the unique legal issues and their best course of action to protect their legal rights and hold the driver of the car accountable, if it is determined that he caused this July 23rd accident.

Continue reading "Riverside Motorcyclist Killed in Rialto Crash " »

A collision involving two motorcycles in Fontana Friday night killed a 63-year-old Mira Loma man, the Press-Enterprise reported. The July 10th accident occurred on Slover Avenue, just west of Redwood Avenue, just after 6:00 p.m. According to news reports, Saul Castro was riding a 2007 Harley Davidson westbound on Redwood Avenue, when he was sideswiped by another motorcycle. According to the Fontana Police Department, the motorcyclist who sideswiped Castro did not suffer any injuries. Castro was transported by ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he died shortly after 1 a.m.

Cause of the Fontana Motorcycle Accident

The Fontana Police Department is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Based on the news reports, it appears Castro lost control of his Harley Davidson because another motorcyclist collided with his bike. If that was the case, the other motorcyclist may be liable for the accident and the wrongful death it resulted in.

Wrongful Death Liability Considerations

If it is determined that the other motorcyclist caused the accident, he or she may be cited or charged for the accident. In addition to potential traffic vehicle code violations or criminal charges, he may be financially liable for the accident in a civil claim for wrongful death. Damages awarded in a civil claim may include compensation for final medical expenses, anticipated future lost earnings and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love and companionship. While this fatal Fontana motorcycle accident remains under investigation, the family of Saul Castro may benefit from talking to an experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer about this accident and the potential liability issues involved. A competent and skilled attorney can help the victims understand and protect their rights should they wish to pursue justice in a wrongful death action.

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A 59-year-old Colton man died tragically in a motorcycle accident on Friday, June 25th on Reche Canyon Road, the San Bernardino Sun reported. The crash occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. near Westwood Street. According to a press release by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, the victim, Michael Cupp, was riding a 2007 Honda Shadow motorcycle southbound on Reche Canyon road when a 1994 Honda Accord pulled out of a driveway, directly in the path of his motorcycle.

Cupp broadsided the sedan and sustained very serious injuries. He was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he died at 1:25 p.m. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability

While this heartbreaking accident remains under investigation by law enforcement, the family of Michael Cupp may benefit from consulting with a California motorcycle accident attorney about this incident. If the driver of the Honda Accord is determined to be responsible for this accident, and the resulting death of the motorcyclist, the family members of the victim may be entitled to monetary compensation for their loss in a wrongful death action, including damages for funeral and burial expenses, final medical costs, loss of future income and benefits, and loss of love, care and support. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help the family members understand and protect their rights following the devastating loss of a loved one.

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A 45-year-old Ontario motorcyclist tragically died Sunday after being struck by a Ford Ranger pickup truck making a left turn, the San Bernardino Press Enterprise reported. The accident occurred at 11:25 a.m. on Turner Avenue in Ontario, at the intersection of Silver Saddle Street. According to news reports, Enrique Jose Salas, 45, of Ontario, was riding his Honda motorcycle southbound on Turner. A 2002 Ford Ranger pickup truck travelling from Silver Saddle onto northbound Turner struck Salas. He was taken by ambulance to Chino Valley Medical Center where he died shortly after 12:00 p.m. The Ontario Police Department is investigating the June 13th motorcycle accident.

Ontario Motorcycle Accident Prevention

Ironically and sadly, this Ontario motorcycle accident happened on the same day that the Ontario Police Department was conducting a special traffic enforcement detail aimed at motorcycle safety and motorists that put motorcycle riders in danger (see San Bernardino Sun article). Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to the Ontario PD, Between October 2007 and October 2009 there were two motorcyclists killed in Ontario.

Wrongful Death Liability Considerations

While this Ontario motorcycle accident remains under investigation, the family of Enrique Salas would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible about this incident. If news reports are accurate and the driver of the pickup truck is found responsible for this accident, the family of the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss in a wrongful death claim to cover final medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits, and loss of love, care and companionship. A skilled attorney can help the victims protect their rights and advise them of their best course of action going forward, should they wish to pursue a claim.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Struck and Killed June 13th in Ontario " »

An Upland man died Sunday afternoon and an 11-year-old boy, who was not related to him, suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported. According to the CHP, the solo vehicle motorcycle accident occurred at 12:05 p.m. on the on the transition road between the southbound 57 Freeway (Orange Freeway) and the eastbound 10 Freeway.

The driver, Michael Smith 36, lost control of the 2007 Honda CBS 1000 motorcycle and was thrown from the bike. The 11-year-old passenger, Nathan Ryan of Upland, stayed onboard as the bike went from the west guardrail and across traffic lanes into the east guardrail.

Smith died at the scene and Ryan was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center with serious injuries. Both the driver and passenger were wearing helmets. The transition road was closed for approximately three hours while officers investigated.

Continue reading "Upland Man Killed, 11-Year-Old Seriously Injured in San Dimas Motorcycle Crash " »

A 54-year-old Oxnard man died Sunday after a crash on Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) in Ventura County, authorities reported. The victim was identified by the Ventura County Medical Center as Juan Manuel Rodriguez. According to reports in the Ventura County Star, Rodriquez was riding northbound on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at about 1:30 p.m., near Dear Creek Road, when a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old Simi Valley woman pulled out from the right shoulder and onto the highway. Rodriguez struck the left side of the woman's vehicle and was ejected over the hood of her car. He came to rest in the middle of the road.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the driver of the vehicle that struck Rodriquez was not aware of his proximity. Rodriquez was not speeding, but was close enough to her vehicle that there was no way for him to avoid the collision. Rodriguez was reportedly conscious when he was taken by ambulance to St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard. However, his condition declined at the hospital and he died shortly after 2:30 p.m.

Who Was At Fault?

Although this fatal Malibu crash remains under investigation, it appears that the driver pulling out onto PCH caused this accident by failing to yield to the right-of-way of the motorcyclist (California Vehicle Code §21800-21810). Simply because she did not see the motorist does not exempt her from being at fault. Even if the driver is not cited or arrested by law enforcement, the family may still pursue a civil claim for wrongful death.

Wrongful Death Liability

While this fatal motorcycle accident remains under investigation, the family of the motorcyclist killed in this crash would be well-advised to talk to a California wrongful death lawyer experienced in handling motorcycle accidents. The family may be entitled to compensation from the driver, if she is determined to be at fault, as well as any other negligent parties that caused or contributed to this accident. Compensation for a wrongful death claim can include money to cover final medical and funeral expenses, future lost earnings or wages, loss of companionship, and other expenses related to the accident.

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A 39-year-old Victorville man died Monday night after a pickup truck made a left turn in front of him, the San Bernardino Press-Enterprise reported. The April 19, 2010 accident occurred at 8:36 p.m. at Bear Valley Road and Cantina Drive.

The San Bernardino County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Mario Dudley. According to reports in the Victorville Daily Press, Dudley was riding his Kawasaki motorcycle west on Bear Valley Road. Edward Muños was tdriving a Toyota pickup truck eastbound on the same road. Muños apparently slowed to turn left on Cantina Drive and turned into the path of Dudley's motorcycle, resulting in the collision. Based on the reports of the accident, it is not clear how fast the pickup truck or the motorcycle were travelling. Dudley sustained major injuries and was taken to Desert Valley Hospital where he died of his injuries about an hour after the crash.

The cause of the fatal Victorville motorcycle accident remains under investigation by the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Deputy James Snow with the Major Accident Investigation Team at the Victorville station at (760) 241-2911.

Who Was At Fault?

Based on the reports, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck caused the crash, unless the motorcycle was travelling at an excessive rate of speed. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, the family of the motorcyclist killed in this accident may be entitled to monetary damages for the wrongful death of their loved one. While the incident is under investigation, the family of Mario Dudley would be well-advised to speak with a San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer about their legal rights in a wrongful death claim. An attorney can oversee the investigation and advise the family of their legal rights and options, and best course of action to protect their rights going forward.

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Injuries sustained in Los Angeles motorcycle accidents are often much more serious than injuries sustained in car accidents. In the video below, Stephen Estey explains why you should consider hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer after an injury accident, and how an attorney can help you get the maximum value for your claim.

Choosing the right lawyer to handle your case is an important decision, one that can mean the difference between full and fair compensation, and no compensation at all. The lawyers at Estey Bomberger have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for motorcycle accident victims in Southern California. For more information or to request a free consultation about your accident, contact us at (213)785-6828.

The city of Los Angeles has settled a lawsuit with a man who was left a paraplegic following an accident at the 2007 Los Angeles Triathlon, the LA Times reported today.

Steve Albala was 60 in 2007 when the accident occurred. He was riding his motorcycle helping to officiate the cycling part of the event. According to the lawsuit, a traffic officer on the course motioned for a vehicle to enter an intersection on the route, causing a collision with the motorcycle. Albala, who had been riding motorcycles for more than 40 years, was thrown about 20 feet following the collision. He fractured a vertebra and suffered a spinal cord injury. He was in the hospital for more than two years and underwent several surgeries.

The $7 million settlement will pay for Albala's medical needs for the rest of his life. The city of Los Angeles also paid $250,000 to an official who was riding with Albala on his motorcycle, and $500,000 to the driver of the car.

Continue reading "City of LA Settles Lawsuit with Injured Triathlon Volunteer for $7 Million " »

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident Sunday afternoon in Riverside County. Gene Gomez, 47, of Calimesa, was riding a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on Interstate 10, when, while exiting Interstate 10 at the Whitewater rest stop, Gomez struck a raised curb and was thrown from his bike. The crash occurred around 2:10 p.m. A CHP officer who responded to the scene performed a modified jaw thrust maneuver on Gomez, and initially restored his breathing. Gomez was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center where he died shortly after 3 p.m.

Please keep the family of Gene Gomez in your prayers. Our thoughts go out to everyone who knew and loved him.

The CHP San Gorgonio Office is investigating the cause of the February 14 motorcycle crash. Based on the reports of this accident in the Desert Sun, it is not clear why this accident occurred. Was the curb constructed in such a way that it was inherently dangerous? Was there a problem with the Harley that caused Gomez to strike the curb? While this Interstate 10 accident remains under investigation, the family of Gene Gomez may benefit from consulting with an experienced California motorcycle accident wrongful death attorney. If the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, or a mechanical malfunction on the Harley Davidson, the family may be entitled to compensation for their loss.

Continue reading "Calimesa Man Killed in I-10 Motorcycle Crash at Whitewater Rest Stop Exit" »

A 21-year-old Pasadena man was taken to a hospital with serious injuries Thursday afternoon after his motorcycle collided with a 2008 Honda sedan. According to police, the accident happened at 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Linda Rosa Avenue.

Police believe the motorcyclist was riding westbound on Foothill Boulevard, when he collided with the Honda. The driver of the Honda, a 46, year-old Pasadena man, was attempting to turn left from southbound Linda Rosa Avenue onto Foothill Boulevard. The motorcyclist was able to down the bike in the street, but was unable to avoid the collision. The Pasadena Star-News reported the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries, including a broken hip and broken legs, but is expected to survive.

Please keep this injured man in your prayers. We hope he makes a complete and speedy recovery from his very serious injuries.

The driver of the Honda was not arrested or cited at the scene, but police are investigating the incident. If the news reports of the this accident are correct, and the motorcyclist was not speeding, the driver of the Honda is likely at fault for pulling in front of the path of the bike. The man injured and his family would be well-advised to speak with a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who will hold the responsible party accountable for the accident and ultimately help the victim obtain the compensation he is entitled to for his injuries. Even if the driver is not cited for the collision, he still may be held accountable in a civil claim.

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A 37-year-old Palm Springs man was killed in a traffic accident Friday afternoon, Palm Springs police reported. The victim, identified by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Office as Ryan Wade Woosley, was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Dina Shore when his motorcycle collided with a white Buick making a southbound turn. The Buick then collided with a BMW travelling north on Crossley Road. Woosley was ejected from his motorcycle and died at the scene of the crash.

The driver and a passenger in the Buick were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver and a passenger in the BMW had only minor injuries and were not taken to the hospital. The cause of the fatal January 15 motorcycle accident remains under investigation. The Desert Sun reported the motorcyclist had a green light and the driver of the Buick failed to yield. Palm Springs police Sgt. Abraham Tokler told the newspaper that Woosley had a green light, was wearing a helmet and was not speeding.

Our condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Ryan Woosley. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Continue reading "Palm Springs Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident" »

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you have legal rights to compensation for whatever you have lost - including your medical bills, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. That being said, the insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible for your injuries. If you have sustained serious injuries, it is within your best interest to consult with an attorney with experience and proven results.

Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions

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