California Car Accident Reports

A 27-year-old member of the U.S. Navy was killed in a San Diego motorcycle accident the late afternoon of August 24, 2009, according to a 10news report. The man apparently lost control of his 2007 Suzuki GSXR motorcycle and went sliding across the double yellow line and into opposing traffic in the 9000 block of Harmony Grove Road in Escondido, California. The man was almost instantly run over by a 2007 Toyota Corolla driven by an Escondido woman. Speed or alcohol was not factors in this fatal motorcycle accident, California Highway Patrol officials said.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man who was tragically killed in this motorcycle accident. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved him. Please keep them in your prayers.

San Diego Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four fatalities and 30 injuries involving motorcycle accidents occurred in Escondido, California. In San Diego County as a whole, 50 deaths and 985 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents.

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why the victim lost control of the motorcycle and got involved in this fatal California car accident. Apparently alcohol and drugs were not involved. The man was also traveling only at 30 to 35 mph, which was normal speed for that roadway, CHP officials say. In such cases, it is important to find out the exact cause of the crash. This accident may have been caused by a mechanical malfunction or auto product defect in the motorcycle. There may have been a spill on the roadway, debris or some type of dangerous condition that may have caused the motorcyclist to lose control and crash. I trust investigators are also looking into whether the driver of the Toyota Corolla had sufficient time to stop before striking the fallen motorcyclist.

If I were a family member of this accident victim, I'd be asking these questions. Was there a vehicle defect? Was the driver of the Corolla speeding? Was she distracted, impaired or driving recklessly at the time? Was the motorcyclist alive when he was struck by the Toyota? Which impact caused his fatal injuries – the initial crash or the collision involving the car? The answers to these questions will help determine whether there was any negligence involved in this fatal motorcycle accident.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The family of the deceased victim would be well-advised to consult an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will help analyze all of these complex issues and determine whether there was negligence or wrongdoing here. If that was the case, the family may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship and other related damages. The family would also be well-advised to preserve the motorcycle in its crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for product defects, mechanical problems and other evidence.