Gabriel Pomona, 36, a U.S. Forest Service fire captain, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after a pickup truck making a left turn struck his motorcycle at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the evening of February 11, 2011 at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Tinkerbell Avenue in Big Bear. Officials say the pickup truck driver turned in front of the oncoming motorcycle. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest sympathies to Gabriel Pomona’s wife, Summer, his other family members and friends. Pomona had apparently been a crew captain for the Big Bear Hotshots since 2008. He was also involved with the community and participated in Christmas bike drives for Inland Empire children. This is certainly a tragic loss! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but two injuries in the Big Bear Lake area due to motorcycle accidents. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 34 people died and 532 were injured in motorcycle accidents during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, the driver may have failed to yield right-of-way to the oncoming motorcyclist. 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.”
Fault and Liability
I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver of the pickup truck was under the influence, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time. If the driver of the pickup truck is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for Pomona’s wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future wages and benefits, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.
Lost a family member in a San Bernardino County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Big Bear motorcycle accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.