Victor Vaz and Vicky Tschirgi, both 47 years old, were critically injured in a San Francisco area car accident when their Harley Davidson crashed on a highway. According to a news report in The Press Democrat, the serious injury accident occurred on Highway 101 near Petaluma the night of April 3, 2011.
Vaz and Tschirgi were travelling on the same 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle when a big rig collision slowed traffic on the highway. As Vaz was doing about 35 mph through traffic, a vehicle ahead of him attempted to change lanes, but swerved back after its driver spotted the motorcycle. Vaz lost control of his motorcycle. He and his passenger, Tschirgi, were thrown off the motorcycle and sustained critical injuries. An investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers are with both Victor Vaz and Vicky Tschirgi following this serious injury accident. I wish them both a complete and speedy recovery.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 18 injuries reported due to Petaluma motorcycle accidents. During that same year, there were six fatalities and 166 injuries reported involving motorcycle accidents in Sonoma County.
California Law Relating to Lane Changes
It appears from the report that the rider lost control of his motorcycle when trying to avoid a vehicle whose driver may have made an unsafe lane change. California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle “shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.”
Liability Issues
If the driver of the other vehicle is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for injuries, damages and losses here. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization and physical therapy. Car accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Seriously injured in a San Francisco 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 Petaluma motorcycle accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Francisco 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.