A motorcyclist was severely injured in a San Diego car accident after an elderly driver attempted to turn ahead of him. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the motorcyclist was traveling north on Waring Road at Orcutt Avenue the afternoon of November 17, 2010. It was then, police say, a 90-year-old driver in a Toyota made as unsafe left turn and entered into the path of the oncoming motorcycle.
The motorcyclist hit the car on its side. He sustained serious injuries including several fractures and a broken pelvis. The elderly woman’s license has been submitted by police to the Department of Motor Vehicles for reevaluation. She will have to take both a written and driving test in order to keep her driving privilege.
I sympathize with this motorcyclist for what he is going through. It is indeed fortunate that he did not sustain catastrophic or fatal injuries in this car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 355 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in San Diego. Also, countywide, 51 people died and 1,081 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2008.
Yielding Right-of-Way
Based on this news report, the injury car accident occurred because the elderly driver made an unsafe left turn and failed to yield right-of-way to the 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.”
Protecting Victims’ Rights
I’m also relieved to hear that the elderly driver will need to take a written and driving test to get back her license. It is important for our senior citizens to keep their mobility and maintain their quality of life, but that should not come at the cost of public safety. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
Seriously injured in a San Diego County car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a San Diego motorcycle accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Diego personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
In your opinion, should elderly drivers be tested more frequently in order to better gauge their ability to drive?
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.