Vernell Taylor, 30, was killed in a motorcycle accident the night of May 8, 2010 after he lost control of his Kawasaki and struck a light pole. According to a news report in The San Bernardino Sun, Taylor was riding his motorcycle east on Alessandro Boulevard near Royal Hill Drive, in Riverside, when he lost control of the motorcycle and hit a curb. The impact of the crash threw him into a nearby street light. Taylor was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.


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I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Vernell Taylor for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 32 fatalities and 581 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Riverside County. Also, countywide, 220 people died and 8,561 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what exactly caused Taylor to lose control of his motorcycle. The article does not say he was under the influence, an inexperienced rider or that he was speeding at the time of the collision. So, was there some type of a malfunction or an auto product defect in his motorcycle? Was this accident caused by a dangerous or defective roadway? Were there any other vehicles involved in this crash? Was Taylor cut off or run off the roadway by some other vehicle? I trust officials are examining these and other issues in order to determine how or why this fatal motorcycle crash occurred.

Claim for Compensation

If Taylor's family suspects an auto product defect, it would be in their best interests to preserve the motorcycle in its current condition, unaltered, so it can be examined by an expert for any evidence of product defects or malfunctions. In any vehicle defect case, the vehicle is the main piece of evidence. So it is important to ensure that it does not get lost or misplaced.

Families of deceased accident victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside 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 accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether the accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways or intersections for motorcyclists in your city?

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.

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