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.

A motorcycle officer was injured in a Los Angeles car accident after she was rear-ended by an SUV, the morning of July 27, 2010. According to a news report in The Press Telegram, the accident occurred in Long Beach at the intersection of Second Street and Marina Drive. The officer was riding east on Second Street, when a green Ford Explorer struck her from behind. The officer sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The Explorer left the scene. Police are looking for the hit-and-run suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Long Beach police officials at 562-435-6711.

View Larger Map

I'm relieved to hear that this police officer survived this crash and has not sustained critical injuries. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my thoughts and prayers. I also trust that this hit-and-run driver will be apprehended and brought to justice.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 100 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Long Beach. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Hit-and-Run Law

Based on this news report, it appears that the area where this injury collision occurred was a construction zone with heavy traffic. Police say the driver of the Explorer attempted to go down the right lane to avoid traffic when he or she rear-ended the motorcycle.

Whatever the cause of the collision was, it was against the law for this driver to have fled after a crash. California law requires motorists to stop and remain at the scene of a crash, exchange information and administer aid to injured victims at the scene. They are required to do this, irrespective of whose fault the accident was. 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."

Victim's Claim for Compensation

In this particular case, the officer appears to have been on duty. So she could be entitled to worker's compensation benefits from her employer. In addition, injured victims in such cases can also seek third-party compensation from the negligent driver, when located. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also explain how the victim's auto insurance policy might apply to a hit-and-run collision or to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

In your opinion, what is the main reason a driver would leave the scene of an accident?

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.

Gregg Haskell, 57, was killed in a motorcycle accident in the Modesto area after he lost control of his 2004 Harley-Davidson and crashed, the Modesto Bee reports. The fatal motorcycle crash occurred the evening of May 12, 2010 when Haskell was riding his motorcycle east on Orange Blossom Road near Horseshoe Road. California Highway Patrol officials said Haskell drifted off the road and into the dirt shoulder as he rode through a moderate curve. The motorcycle hit the curb and Haskell was ejected from his bike. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he died.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gregg Haskell for their profound loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two deaths and 55 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Modesto. In Stanislaus County, 10 people died and 137 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to what caused this tragic accident. The news report does not state that Haskell was traveling at a high rate of speed. Did alcohol play a part? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in his Harley that caused this fatal crash? Was any other vehicle involved in this crash? Was there a dangerous or defective condition in the roadway, which may have caused this deadly accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine what exactly happened here.

Liability Issues

If this accident was caused by an auto product defect, the vehicle manufacturer or the maker of the defective product can be held liable for Haskell's wrongful death. Such claims, which are usually filed by immediate family members, seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this crash, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. The best Modesto personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What steps do you take as a motorcycle rider to avoid dangerous situations or accidents?

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.

Timothy Fox, 20, was seriously injured in a Ventura motorcycle accident after he lost control and crashed the afternoon of May 14, 2010. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, Fox was riding a motorcycle in the 1500 block of Channel Islands Boulevard, near Ventura Road, when he struck a tree. Fox was transported to an area hospital. Police say, after a preliminary investigation, that speed may have been a factor. The motorcycle apparently hit the tree with such force that Fox was thrown over 50 feet away. The motorcycle came to rest more than 60 feet away from the street, ending up in an empty parking lot. Anyone who witnessed this accident is asked contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7749.

My heart goes out to this injured victim. I hope he has not sustained catastrophic injuries and pray that he recovers quickly and completely.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

There was one fatality and 15 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Oxnard, California. In Ventura County as a whole, motorcycle accidents claimed 11 lives and caused 227 injuries during the same year.

Circumstances of the Crash

Based on this news report, investigators suspect that Fox may have been traveling at an excessive speed, but an investigation is ongoing and they are still looking at other factors, which may have caused or contributed to this accident. One of Fox's relatives, who commented on the newspaper's web site states that Fox was not speeding, but "hit a rut in the road" and lost control of the motorcycle. The same commenter also says that Fox lost his leg in this accident.

Dangerous Roadway Condition?

I trust investigators are looking into whether there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, which contributed to this crash. Very often, eyewitnesses tend to assume that motorcyclists were speeding. In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will ensure that their legal rights are protected.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused this tragic accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a California public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the dangerous conditions you encounter on roadways as a motorist or motorcyclist?

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.

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.

A motorcyclist, who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on the 10 Freeway was identified by officials as 53-year-old Tony Simpson. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on the westbound side of the freeway in Alhambra the morning of March 23, 2010.

Witnesses apparently told California Highway Patrol officials that the motorcyclist crossed the double yellow lines as he made a lane change to enter the carpool lane. CHP officials say, however, that this fatal motorcycle crash occurred on a dangerous patch of the 10 Freeway that commonly has uneven roadway levels separating the carpool lanes. Officials are looking into whether the uneven pavement posed a dangerous condition for the motorcyclist.

My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Tony Simpson for their tragic loss. They will be in my prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 13 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Alhambra in 2008. In Los Angeles County, motorcycle accidents claimed 114 lives and injured 2,934 people in 2008.

Dangerous Roadway Condition?

CHP officials say that this crash occurred on a "bad patch of roadway" on the 10 Freeway where the roadway conditions are constantly changing. Usually in such cases where motorcycles hit an uneven pavement, motorcyclists are able to recover even if the vehicle goes out of control momentarily. But in some cases, when a motorcycle is traveling at freeway speeds, it becomes extremely challenging not to lose control.

If this accident was caused by a dangerous roadway, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any personal injury or wrongful death claim against any California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

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.

As a motorcycle accident lawyer, I found this news article in The San Diego Tribune interesting to say the least. If you have been driving on Southern California freeways, you have probably seen the message posted by state agencies: "Share the road. Look twice for motorcyclists." I thought that was a good message to send to drivers. But, according to the Union-Tribune's article, a number of drivers were outraged by this seemingly reasonable request.

In fact, San Diego's Caltrans office got a number of negative calls. One call was a 20-minute rant! Why were these drivers angry? Apparently, they believe that it is not their job to watch out for motorcyclists, especially those who speed, double up in lanes with cars or otherwise ride aggressively.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The negative calls are peculiar to the San Diego area, Caltrans officials say. The signs were basically a joint effort between Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and the state Office of Transportation Safety. In 2008, 52 fatalities and 1,134 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in San Diego County, which ranks second behind Los Angeles County among four counties with the worst motorcycle accident rates.

Share the Road, Drive Safely

As a San Diego personal injury lawyer who has been representing motorcycle accident victims for the last 30 years, I believe that it is every motorist's duty to drive safely. Just because you are on a motorcycle, it does not give you an automatic license to drive recklessly or with disregard for your own or another's safety. That said, the message the state put out is an extremely important one.

Whether we like it or not, we share the road with other vehicles. It is important that motorists in larger vehicles consciously look for motorcyclists, especially at intersections, which is where a majority of serious motorcycle crashes occur. It is easy for motorcyclists to slip into your blind spot as well. It never hurts to look twice. Also remember that in car accidents involving motorcycles, it is the motorcyclist who suffers the most serious injuries, most of the time.

I can understand motorists' frustrations with motorcyclists who do not follow the law or driver dangerously. However, it is important for all of us to understand and absorb this important message. Share the road with other vehicles and always remember that you share the road with other vehicles and pedestrians.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

A 31-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident on the 405 Freeway in Torrance after he crashed into a disabled big rig. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, this fatal motorcycle accident occurred early morning on January 8, 2010, after the big rig's front tire blew out and it came to stop blocking freeway lanes. The motorcyclist hit the back wheel of the truck and was thrown into the tractor's cab. The driver of the big rig was uninjured.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this victim for their devastating loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

There were two fatalities and 30 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Torrance, according to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 85 deaths and 2,792 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2007.

Liability Issues in Truck and Motorcycle Accidents

Based on this news report, it seems that this fatal motorcycle versus truck accident happened because the motorcyclist suddenly came up against the disabled truck on the freeway and could not stop in time.

The family of this motorcycle accident victim would be well-advised to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record handling motorcycle accident cases.

If I were a member of this victim's family, I would want to find out whether the truck driver was under the influence, fatigued or whether the tire blowout happened because of poor vehicle maintenance. Sometimes, an overloaded truck can also cause mechanical failure such as brake failure or tire blowouts. If this accident was the result of the truck driver's negligence, both he and his employer could be held liable for the motorcyclist's fatal injuries.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

A police officer in Buena Park sustained serious injuries in an Orange County car accident after his department-issued motorcycle was involved in a crash with another vehicle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred January 2, 2010 at the intersection of Knott Avenue and San Bruno Drive when the 30-year-old officer's motorcycle struck a Nissan Sentra. The motorcycle caught fire on impact. The officer was taken to the intensive care unit with serious injuries, but he is expected to survive.

I sympathize with this police officer and his family. I'm relieved that he did not suffer catastrophic injuries in this crash. It certainly could have been a lot worse. I sincerely hope and pray the officer has a quick and full recovery. Please keep this victim and his family in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

Five injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Buena Park in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County, motorcycle accidents claimed 24 lives and caused 752 injuries during the same year. Also, countywide 178 people died and 14,185 were injured due to car accidents in 2007.

Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this injury crash occurred. There are still several questions here that are unanswered. Where exactly was the motorcycle at the time of the crash? Was the Nissan making a left turn at the intersection at the time as a commenter on the Register's website says? Did a dangerous or defective condition at this intersection lead to this car accident?

If the officer was struck as the result of the driver's negligence, he or she could be held liable in this case. The officer, who was apparently working at the time, will be entitled to worker's compensation benefits, but the at-fault driver could also be held liable in this case. It would be in the best interests of injured victims in such cases to get in touch with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Ronald Phillips, 53, was fatally injured in a Riverside car accident after he struck the back of a stopped vehicle on a street in Temecula, California. The San Bernardino Sun reports that Phillips was southbound on Jefferson Avenue when his Harley Davidson hit the back of a stopped Mazda, the afternoon of December 29, 2009. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead a few hours after the accident. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Ronald Phillips for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man. They will certainly be in my prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

There were 12 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Temecula in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Riverside County as a whole, 41 fatalities and 562 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year. Also, countywide, 279 deaths and 9,925 injuries occurred in 2007 due to traffic accidents.

Who or What Caused this Fatal Accident?

Based on this newspaper report, it's not clear exactly how or why this fatal motorcycle collision occurred. There are many questions still unanswered here. Where exactly on the roadway was the Mazda stopped at the time of the accident? Why was the Mazda stopped? Was it disabled? How fast was Phillips going at the time of the collision? Was there any other dangerous condition on the roadway such as a visual obstruction, which may have caused or contributed to Phillips' accident?

Liability Issues

If there was a dangerous condition on the roadway, other than the stopped car, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable for the accident and wrongful death. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. If the driver of the Mazda was negligent and caused this car accident, then he or she could be held liable as well.

An experienced California personal injury lawyer will look carefully at all aspects of this car accident, identify the negligent parties, and hold them accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased traffic accident victims could seek compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.