Lloyd Mockel, 43, was killed in a motorcycle accident after a collision on Highway 29 the evening of August 7, 2010. According to a news report in the Napa Valley Register, Mockel was traveling south in a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle when he rear-ended the vehicle that was in front of him. The fatal crash occurred at the border of Napa and Lake counties near Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Mockel was ejected from his motorcycle, hit the rear of the vehicle before him and then landed on the roadway. Although he was wearing a helmet, Mockel sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a regional hospital where he died. The driver of the vehicle that Mockel's motorcycle struck left the scene of the crash. Anyone who saw this crash is asked to call California Highway Patrol officials at 707-253-4953.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Lloyd Mockel for their devastating loss. Please keep his grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 16 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Napa County. Also, countywide, motorcycle accidents claimed five lives and caused 85 injuries during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law and Liability Issues

Leaving the scene of an accident or hit-and-run is a serious crime under California law – irrespective of whose fault the accident was. Motorists are required under the law to stop immediately, remain at the scene of the crash and administer aid to the injured victim. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to consult with a skilled San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also advise families about how their car insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run crash or to an incident where the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.

Would you call the authorities if you saw a hit-and-run crash?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.