Vehicular manslaughter charges are likely against a car driver in a motorcycle accident, which killed 63-year-old Ali Richard Uralli. The May 31, 2010 accident occurred at the intersection of Rohnert Park Expressway and Redwood Drive in Cotati. Uralli sustained critical injuries including blunt force trauma and a severed spine. He died from his injuries this week.

A car driven by 37-year-old Maria Lopez Nunez apparently made an illegal left turn in front of Uralli's motorcycle. Nunez fled the scene of the crash, but a witness followed her home. Officials caught up with Nunez and arrested her on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Nunez is likely to be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Police say alcohol or drugs were not a factor in this fatal car accident.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ali Richard Uralli for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them.

Motorcycle Accidents

There were no fatalities, but two injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Cotati, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In Sonoma County as a whole, six people died and 166 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Laws

Based on this news report, Nunez made an illegal left turn in front of the motorcycle, which led to this fatal car accident. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

She also left the scene of the accident, which is a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code 20001 (a): "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Liability Issues

The family of the deceased victim in such cases could file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Families would also be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will be able to advise them about how their own car insurance policy might apply to an accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, what steps can be taken to curb the increase in motorcycle versus car 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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