Ali Richard Uralli, 63, died this week from injuries he sustained in a San Francisco car accident on May 31, 2010. According to a CBS News report, the accident occurred at the intersection of Rohnert Park Expressway and Redwood Drive in Cotati, when a vehicle driven by 37-year-old Maria Lopez Nunez made a left turn in front of him. Uralli was critically injured in the collision. Nunez was charged with felony hit-and-run for leaving the scene of the accident, but now she also faces possible vehicular manslaughter charges. Police do not believe Nunez was under the influence or impaired at the time.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to Uralli's family and friends. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 30 injuries involving car accidents in Cotati. In Sonoma County, 36 people died and 1,988 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Left Turn Law

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." In this case, officials believe Nunez may have failed to yield right-of-way to the oncoming motorcycle. Nunez also left the scene of the accident, which is illegal under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a).

Claim for Compensation

In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, it would be in the best interests of victims' families to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.

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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