A man was fatally injured in a Huntington Beach motorcycle accident after an SUV that was turning into a shopping center struck him.
According to a report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash occurred on the afternoon of September 22 on Beach Boulevard near Adams Avenue. Police said first responders located the motorcyclist and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
The SUV overturned after the crash and the driver was taken to a local hospital as well. Based on preliminary investigation, officials say the motorcyclist was northbound on Beach Boulevard north of Adams Avenue when the SUV, which was headed south on Beach attempted to turn left into the Newland Shopping Center. No arrests or citations have been reported. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased motorcyclist. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the SUV made a left turn into the shopping center when the collision with the motorcycle occurred. Under California law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles before making a left turn or 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.”
In such cases, if the driver is determined to have been negligent, he or she can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. Families of deceased crash victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against at-fault parties seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship.
An experienced Huntington Beach motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/09/22/motorcyclist-dies-after-wreck-in-huntington-beach/