Milo Manley, 58, suffered major injuries in a Lake County car accident after the Honda motorcycle he was riding was struck by a vehicle that was making a left turn. According to a report in Lake County News, the major injury collision occurred on Highway 20, near the Lodge at Blue Lakes, the morning of July 24, 2011.

California Highway Patrol officials say 33-year-old Paul Ruggirello was driving his 2004 Chrysler Pacifica west on Highway 20 and was slowing to make a left turn at Blue Lakes when he failed to see Manley's 2008 Honda. Ruggirello turned directly into the path of the motorcycle. Manley was ejected due to the collision and sustained major injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital in Santa Rosa with a fractured right leg, left wrist and right ankle. An investigation is ongoing.

Lake County Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 27 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Lake County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 10 lives and injured 306 people, during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Chrysler, Ruggirello, may have failed to yield right-of-way to the oncoming motorcyclist. 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

Officials are saying that alcohol or drugs were not factors in this crash. I trust they are also looking into whether the driver was distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time. If the driver is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.

Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. A knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise car accident victims about their legal rights and options.