California Injury Blog
A man suffered critical injuries in a motorcycle accident in Menifee, which officials say was caused by an intoxicated driver.
According to a report in The Press-Enterprise, the major injury crash occurred on Highway 74 at Trumble Road. Menifee police said a Toyota pickup truck driven by 31-year-old Nathan Stipp was headed east when it made a left turn in front of the westbound Harley-Davidson, resulting in the collision.
The rider was transported to an area hospital where he remained in critical condition. Stipp was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured motorcyclist. We wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Possible Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the pickup struck the motorcyclist while making a left turn. Officials also suspect the driver was under the influence at the time. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”
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.”
Liability Issues
In such cases, the injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault parties for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitative treatment, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside County motorcycle accident lawyer who will remain on their side, fight for their rights and make sure maximum compensation is secured for their losses.
Source: https://www.pe.com/2022/02/07/motorcyclist-critically-injured-in-menifee-collision-pickup-driver-accused-of-dui/