Lompoc valley witnessed a fatal motorcycle crash on Tuesday afternoon. The crash occurred around 2.50 p.m. near the intersection of Mission Gate and Purisima roads. As per California Highway Patrol, a vehicle and motorcycle were involved in the tragic accident, resulting in the closure of the roadway for few hours.
According to Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Daniel Bertucelli, the first responders to the scene found the motorcyclist on the roadway. The victim was identified as a man in his 20s. He had suffered serious injuries and had died at the scene of the accident.
The other vehicle involved in the accident was a sedan, the driver of the car informed the officers that while they were taking a left turn onto Purisima Road from Mission Gate Road, the motorcyclist was traveling on Purisima road in the same direction as the turning car.
Investigations are on to determine why the rider “laid down” his motorcycle and was thrown directly in front of the turning vehicle. The motorcyclist died in the accident but the driver of the vehicle was uninjured.
The motorcycle crash is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the crash.
California Motorcycle Accidents
Over 400 people are killed in motorcycle accidents every year in California. Even though California has a universal helmet law, motorcycle riding is comparatively risky as it does not provide the protection of seatbelts and airbags that is available to car riders.
The California helmet law requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets at all times. Statistics provided by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that in event of a crash or accident, wearing helmets reduce the risk of death and serious head injuries by almost 29 percent.
California is also one of the few states that allow lane splitting. In situations of slow traffic or stopped traffic, the motorcycle riders are allowed to drive along the lane dividers. Unfortunately, many vehicle drivers are unaware of this, whereby causing motorcycle accidents leading to rider death or injury.
Who is responsible for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents are tragic resulting in serious injuries like paralysis, loss of limbs, and injury to the head etc. Many motorcycle crashes are fatal. It is important to determine who is at fault in the accident before claiming any damages.
In most instances, car drivers are held responsible for motorcycle crashes, but the actions of both the motorcycle rider and the vehicle driver are considered before arriving at the final decision.
One of the key reasons the vehicle drivers are responsible for the accident is because they are unaware or unconcerned about the motorcycle riders, and often very judgmental of them. Most of them assume that the driving lanes are only for them and not for the motorcyclists.
What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Reckless passenger vehicle driving is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Vehicle drivers are comparatively at lesser risk in a motorcycle accident whereas for motorcyclists it could be life-threatening.
Left-turn accidents account for around 50% of all motorcycle crashes. Left turn accidents happen at road intersections when the motorcycle riders try to pass ahead when a vehicle is turning left.
Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and the traffic around them as motorcycles are generally in blind spots. In some instances, a motorcycle accident occurs as a result of poor road maintenance or unclear road signage.
California Motorcycle accident lawyers
Have you or your family member been involved in a motorcycle accident and have experienced personal injury or property damage? Contact us at Khashan Law Firm and schedule a free consultation with our team of professional lawyers and find out what damages you are entitled to.
We guarantee exceptional legal aid and support for your case. Our team of lawyers will leave no stone unturned in taking care of your individual needs and your case. Get in touch with us at 951.461.2387 today.