Nathaniel Joseph Camacho, 38, was killed in a San Diego car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that was making a U-turn. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Camacho was riding a 2001 Honda CBR motorcycle east on Greenfield Drive the night of May 23, 2010, when he collided with the driver’s side of a Toyota Camry as it made a U-turn on Greenfield. Camacho was transported to a local hospital where he died. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Nathaniel Joseph Camacho for their profound loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. His grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
There was one fatality and 33 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in El Cajon, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In San Diego County as a whole, 51 deaths and 1,081 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents the same year.
Laws Relating to U-turns
Based on this news report, it appears the collision occurred when the Toyota was making a U-turn. The question is whether the driver of the Camry made an illegal U-turn directly in front of the motorcyclist.
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.”
Protecting Victims’ Rights
I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver of the Camry was impaired, distracted or driving recklessly at the time. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the accident and resulting fatality. Families of victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
What precautions do you take as a motorist to prevent collisions with motorcyclists?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys 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.