David Tanner, 24, was killed in an Orange County car accident after he was struck at an intersection by a vehicle and then run over by another car. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Tanner was riding his Yamaha R1 motorcycle east on Orangewood Avenue in Garden Grove, the evening of December 29, 2009, when he was hit by a westbound BMW sedan that turned left ahead of him on to Mac Nab Street. Tanner was thrown off his bike and then struck again by a Ford Mustang. Officials are still investigating the cause of this fatal crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of David Tanner for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, (SWITRS), 34 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Garden Grove. In Orange County as a whole, 24 deaths and 752 injuries occurred involving motorcycle accidents during the same year. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 178 lives and injured 14,185 people in 2007.

California Vehicle Code

If the details of this news report are accurate, the driver of the BMW appears to have been at fault for turning left in front of Tanner's motorcycle. California law is very specific about the requirements for drivers making a left turn or a U-turn. 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."

Wrongful Death Claim

I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver of the BMW was under the influence, distracted or otherwise negligent. Tanner's family would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure their rights are protected. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.

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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