California Injury Blog
Brock Kleeman, 20, was killed in a Bakersfield car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a van at an intersection. According to an ABC News report, the fatal crash occurred the afternoon of May 18, 2010 at the intersection of Niles and Robinson Street. Bakersfield police officials said Kleeman was traveling west on Niles when a white Ford Aerostar van driven by 33-year-old Calvin Stepney attempted to turn south onto Robinson. The van ended up turning directly into Kleeman’s path. Kleeman lost control of his motorcycle colliding with the driver’s side of the van. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and died later that day. Stepney was uninjured. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor.
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I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Brock Kleeman for their tragic loss. His grieving family will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven deaths and 57 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Bakersfield, California. In Kern County as a whole, 16 people died and 234 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Ford van made a left turn in front of the motorcyclist. I trust officials are determining who failed to yield right-of-way in this case.
According to California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a): “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 of the van was at fault here, then he could be held liable for Kleeman’s wrongful death. The families of deceased car accident victims could seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.
Based on your observations, what do you believe are the most common causes of street intersection accidents?
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.