California Injury Blog
A teen motorcyclist suffered major injuries in a Riverside car accident after a vehicle turning left struck him.
According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the motorcycle accident occurred the evening of August 13, 2014 in front of a McDonald’s parking lot along University Avenue just east of Eucalyptus Avenue.
Officials say the motorcyclist was westbound when a Nissan Rogue turned left in front of him. The rider has been listed in serious condition.
The motorist was
not injured. Anyone with more information about this collision is asked to contact police at 951-826-8723.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the young motorcyclist who has reportedly been seriously injured in this crash. We wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Riverside Motorcycle Accidents
One fatality and 93 injuries were reported in the city of Riverside as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2011, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
Countywide, during the same year, 18 people were killed and 533 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to who had the right-of-way at the time of the collision. Reports state that the motorcyclist was traveling west when a left-turning vehicle struck him.
Did the vehicle have right-of-way? Was the motorcyclist speeding? These are issues to examine in determining who was at fault.
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.”
Fault and Liability
If the driver is determined to have been at fault in this case, he or she can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury attorney who will analyze all aspects 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.