Driver Inattention May Have Caused Fatal Ventura Motorcycle Accident
Juan Manuel Rodriguez, 54, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Pacific Coast Highway in Oxnard, the afternoon of April 25, 2010, The Ventura County Star reports. California Highway Patrol officials say Rodriguez was riding his motorcycle north on Pacific Coast Highway near Deer Creek Road when 19-year-old Kaycee Royal Congelos pulled out from the right shoulder and entered the roadway.
Congelos had been driving her vehicle north on the highway when she stopped briefly to the side of the roadway. Rodriguez, who was unable to avoid the car, collided with it and was thrown off his bike onto the roadway. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation was ongoing.
Ventura County Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics, 11 people died and 227 were injured in Ventura County as a result of motorcycle accidents. Countywide, during the same year, car accidents claimed 63 lives and injured 3,785 people.
Causes and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this fatal car versus motorcycle crash occurred. Was the driver, Congelos, inattentive, distracted or impaired at the time? Was there some type of dangerous condition on the roadway that prevented her from seeing the motorcyclist on the roadway? If this driver is determined to have been at fault for this accident, she could be held civilly liable for the rider's wrongful death. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
If a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to an accident, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any such claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury, under California Government Code 911.2. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options in such cases.
What steps can drivers take to consciously watch out for motorcyclists?
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.
