A motorcyclist sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident after he collided with a van that also crashed into a California Highway Patrol car the morning of May 26, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the accident occurred at the intersection of Menlo and Slauson Avenues in South Los Angeles. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The CHP officers were not injured.


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I'm relieved to note that this motorcyclist was not catastrophically injured in this crash. I wish him the very best for a full recovery. This injured victim will be in my prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 42 deaths and 1,289 injuries reported in Los Angeles as a result of motorcycle accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 deaths and 2,934 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

This news report leaves a number of questions unanswered. Who was at fault for the accident? This accident apparently occurred at an intersection. Did one of the vehicles fail to yield right-of-way to the other? Was the CHP vehicle responding to an incident? If so, did the patrol car have lights and sirens on? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine who or what caused this crash.

Laws and Liability Issues

According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

If the van's driver was at fault, then he or she could be held liable for the motorcyclist's injuries. If the CHP vehicle was at fault, then the CHP could be held liable as well. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims in such cases about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

In your opinion, what are some of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents?

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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