California Injury Blog
Jim Harmon, 58, and his 57-year-old wife, Debbie Harmon, were killed in a California car accident the morning of September 19, 2009 in the Bakersfield area. According to an ABC news report, 74-year-old Hazel Halloran was driving a Buick north on Sierra Way in Kernville, California, when she lost control of her car and crashed head-on into the Harley Davidson motorcycle that Jim and Debbie Harmon were riding. The couple was thrown off the motorcycle. Both sustained fatal injuries.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Jim and Debbie Harmon. Apparently, this was a much loved and popular couple that had founded the Christmas Toy Run in the Bakersfield area. Jim and Debbie Harmon were the heart and soul of this toy drive that benefitted thousands of needy children. At the time of the accident, Harmon and his wife were on their way to a conference on promoting motorcycle safety. Tragic! I offer my deepest condolences to the Harmon family for their heartbreaking loss.
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, four fatalities and 54 injuries were reported in Bakersfield as a result of motorcycle accidents. In Kern County as a whole, there were 14 deaths and 202 injuries in 2007 involving motorcycle accidents.
Based on the news account it seems this Bakersfield car accident is the fault of the car driver who lost control of her car and struck the motorcycle. The question is why Halloran lost control of the Buick. Was she impaired, distracted or in some way negligent? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway that caused her to lose control? Did she suffer a medical condition at the time of the car accident? Was there an auto product defect or mechanical malfunction that may have caused or contributed to this car-motorcycle accident? The answers to these questions should help determine who or what was responsible for this fatal car collision.
An Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
The Harmon family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of this accident, identify any source of negligence and ensure the family receives just compensation for their loss. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim, which seeks compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of wages, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. The truly reputable California car accident lawyers will always offer free and comprehensive initial consultations to injured victims and/or their families.
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 source for the facts 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, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.
We cannot fully inform any party or family member about their rights, options or the economic viability of any claim for compensation without a full investigation and consultation. We will not be conducting an investigation into this matter unless we are retained by a party. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to any, not at fault, person named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.