Naome Lynn Sevigny, 53, was killed in a Butte County car accident when she was thrown from the back of a motorcycle. According to a news report in The Chico Enterprise Record, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 70 and Pentz Road, the evening of July 29, 2011. Sevigny was a passenger on a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Dale Sevigny, 57, when it collided with a Jeep Liberty. The driver of the Jeep, Sharol Robinson, 52, reportedly caused the crash by turning left from Pentz and pulling in front of the motorcycle. Naome Lynn Sevigny was killed, Dale Sevigny sustained major injuries. The two occupants of the Jeep, Robinson and Michael Morris, 50, were not injured. An investigation is ongoing.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Naome Lynn Sevigny following this tragic motorcycle accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Butte County Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 45 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Butte County. During that same year, countywide, there were no deaths, but 63 injuries reported involving motorcycle accidents.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

It appears from the report that the driver of the Jeep made an unsafe left turn and failed to yield right-of-way to the oncoming motorcycle. 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

If the driver of the Jeep is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for the wrongful death of Naome Lynn Sevigny and the injuries caused to Dale Sevigny. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. Injured victims can claim compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization and rehabilitation. Car accident victims or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will provide them with more information about pursuing their legal rights.