William Kaplan, 62, was killed in a Riverside car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle on the Highway 74 in Mountain Center. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred the afternoon of February 14, 2010 when Kaplan's 2008 Harley Davidson slammed into the right side of a 1998 Toyota Corolla, which had swerved across the centerline of the highway and into the motorcyclist's path. California Highway Patrol officials said a passenger in the Toyota – a 20-year-old woman -- died of injuries sustained in the crash as well. The 19-year-old driver of the Toyota has been hospitalized with major injuries. Kaplan's wife, who was riding with her husband, survived with major injuries.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved William Kaplan, especially his wife, who witnessed the crash and was seriously injured as well. I also offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the female passenger in the Toyota who was also killed in this crash. I wish Kaplan's wife the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents in Riverside

There were 18 deaths and 241 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County in 2008, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics. In Riverside County as a whole, 32 deaths and 581 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Fatal Accident?

According to this news report, it is not clear what caused the 19-year-old driver of the Toyota to swerve into the path of Kaplan's motorcycle. Was the driver under the influence? Was he distracted? Was he driving too fast? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the Toyota that caused the driver to lose control and swerve? Were there any other factors such as another vehicle or a dangerous condition on the roadway? Hopefully, the answers to these questions will help shed some light on how and why this fatal accident occurred.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

Kaplan's wife and family members would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. If the 19-year-old driver is determined to have been at-fault, then he could be held liable for the wrongful death of Kaplan and the passenger as well as the injuries caused to Kaplan's wife.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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