California Injury Blog
Steven Mason, 22, was killed in a Bakersfield car accident after he was struck by a vehicle the night of July 12, 2010. According to a news report in the Taft Midway Driller, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Kern and Eighth Streets, in Taft. Mason was riding a Honda motorcycle east on Kern Street when he hit the vehicle that was making a left turn from Eighth Street on to Kern. Taft police officials say Mason was wearing a helmet, but was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. He died shortly afterward. An investigation is ongoing.
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My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Steven Mason for their devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to his grieving family.
Motorcycle Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but four injuries reported in Taft due to motorcycle accidents. In Kern County as a whole, 16 people died and 234 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.
The Law Relating to Left Turns
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the other driver may have 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.”
Claim for Compensation
I trust officials are looking into whether this vehicle’s driver was under the influence, distracted, reckless, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the motorcyclist’s wrongful death.
Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise the families of deceased victims about their legal rights and options.
What are some of the greatest dangers faced by motorcyclists on our roadways?
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.