California Injury Blog
A woman was killed in a Stanton motorcycle accident after a man driving a pickup truck made a U-turn and struck her.
According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash, which officials said involved a suspected DUI driver, occurred on the night of June 21 at Beach Boulevard and Starr Street.
Ongoing Investigation
Police said the woman on the motorcycle was traveling north on Beach Boulevard when a man driving a pickup made a U-turn along southbound Beach Boulevard at Starr Street, causing the collision. The motorcyclist was riding in the second lane from the left on the four-lane street. The intersection doesn’t have traffic signals. The woman was transported to an area hospital but died from her injuries. The man was arrested on suspicion of DUI causing bodily injury, police said. The investigation is still ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family of this deceased motorcyclist. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Possible Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the vehicle may have made the U-turn while failing to yield to the oncoming 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.”
Officials say the driver may have also been under the influence when he struck the motorcyclist. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a) prohibits motorists from driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Compensation for Victims and Families
In such cases, victims’ families may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced Orange County DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2022/06/22/woman-killed-man-arrested-on-suspicion-of-dui-after-stanton-crash/