A 21-year-old motorcyclist identified as Alexandro Bravo sustained major injuries in a car accident in Bakersfield after he was struck by a vehicle that was making a left turn. KERO News reports that the injury accident happened near the intersection of State Route 184 and East Brundage Lane when Bravo's northbound 2007 GSX-R750 was struck by a van that turned left in front of him to enter a gas station. Bravo sustained major injuries while four people in the van suffered relatively minor injuries.

My heart goes out to Alexandro Bravo and his family for what they are going through at this time. I wish all the injured victims here a speedy and full recovery from the injuries they have sustained.

Motorcycle Accidents

There were 16 deaths and 234 fatalities due to motorcycle accidents in Kern County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Bakersfield, seven people were killed and 57 were injured in motorcycle accidents during the same year.

The Law Relating to Left Turns

Drivers who are turning left or are making a U-turn are required to first yield right-of-way to oncoming vehicles. 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 van is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for the motorcyclist's serious injuries. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a reputed Bakersfield personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.

Seriously injured in a Bakersfield motorcycle accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Kern County car accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Bakersfield personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.