Authorities are yet to identify a 23-year-old U.S. Marine who died in a San Diego car accident after his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle, which reportedly turned left in front of him. According to a 10news report, the November 7, 2009 crash happened when the driver of a Lexus that was eastbound on Miramar Road turned left into a business' driveway. The motorcyclist was unable to stop and ended up hitting the Lexus sedan. The Marine was riding a Yamaha motorcycle near the intersection of Camino Ruiz. He was wearing a helmet, but still suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital soon after the accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young Marine. This must be a terrible blow to his family and his battalion. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 deaths and 293 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in San Diego. Countywide, motorcycle accidents claimed 50 lives and injured 985 individuals in 2007. Also, 268 deaths and 14,641 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in San Diego County.

If the details of this news report are accurate, it would seem that the driver of the Lexus may have turned in front of the motorcyclist, when the motorcyclist had the right-of-way at the intersection. California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states required drivers making a left turn or a U-turn on a highway or turning left into a public or private property to "yield 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 moment." They should continue to yield right-of-way until the turn can be made safely, the law states.

Car Accident Liability Issues

If the driver of the Lexus is determined to be at fault, then he could be held responsible for the Marine's fatal injuries. An important to question to ask here is: Did negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the driver cause this fatal motorcycle accident? Was the driver impaired, distracted, reckless or otherwise negligent? If a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to this crash, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining this roadway could be held liable. Such claims against California governmental entities must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to consult with a reputed San Diego personal injury lawyer who will protect their legal rights and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.

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.

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