California Injury Blog
A motorcyclist was killed in a collision with another vehicle in Fullerton on the evening of Nov. 26.
According to a City News Service report, the fatal crash occurred when the motorcyclist was traveling southbound on Bradford Avenue. The motorist was going east on Quartz Lane making and made a northbound turn to Bradford at the time of the crash.
Ongoing Investigation
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the police. Investigators determined that alcohol or drugs did not play a part in this incident. Fullerton police traffic investigators urged anyone with information regarding the crash to call the department at 714-738-6812. No citations or arrests were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased motorcyclist for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Left Turn Law
Based on this news report, it appears that this crash occurred when the motorist made a left turn and collided with the oncoming motorcyclist. Left turns into the path of motorcyclists cause about a third of all fatal motorcycle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Under the law, motorists are required to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles before making a left turn or U-turn. 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
We trust officials will look into several factors including the speed at which the vehicles were traveling, whether the motorist was operating while distracted or inattentive and whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. In this particular case, if the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the victims’ injuries, damages, and losses.
Families of deceased motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced Fullerton motorcycle accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/11/27/motorcyclist-killed-in-fullerton-crash/