Diana Gail Vandenberg, 54, of Wildomar died in a Riverside motorcycle accident the morning of May 17, 2009, according to a news report in the Riverside Press Enterprise. The Hemet motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of East Florida Avenue and Meridian Street in Hemet when Vandenberg’s motorcycle struck a sports utility vehicle. Vandenberg was thrown from her motorcycle. She died about five hours after the car-motorcycle accident at a local hospital. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating this fatal motorcycle accident.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Diana Gail Vandenberg for their sudden and tragic loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Vandenberg. Please keep them in your prayers.
According the California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were no fatalities, but 18 injuries involving motorcycle crashes were reported in Hemet. In Riverside County as a whole, 41 deaths and 562 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2007.
Based on this newspaper report, it is not clear exactly how or why this SUV versus motorcycle collision occurred. The important question here, which should be answered by the CHP investigation, is who caused this fatal motorcycle accident. If the driver of the SUV turned in front of Vandenberg’s motorcycle at this intersection, then he or she could be held at fault for this accident. Based on this newspaper report it does not appear that Vandenberg was speeding or driving under the influence. It is also not clear whether the driver of the SUV was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The family of Diana Gail Vandenberg would be well advised to consult with a reputed California motorcycle accident attorney who will investigate the facts of the case, analyze accident reports and help determine who or what caused this tragic motorcycle accident. Skilled California personal injury attorneys will also look into whether a dangerous intersection caused or contributed to this fatal collision. If that was the case, the city or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within six months of the accident/injury.