Will a DUI driver arrest impact a fatal motorcycle crash legal outcome in San Diego?  

California – August 23, 2021

After a fatal motorcycle crash on State Route 79 in the San Diego County Highlands, a man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).  California Highway Patrol reported the driver lost control of his 2002 Toyota Tundra near Aguanga Ranchos Road around 3:30 p.m., drifting and swerving until he collided with an oncoming 1991 Harley-Davidson Sportster.  The motorcyclist suffered fatal injury at the scene and the truck driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.  Surviving loved ones should contact a motorcycle accident attorney to assist with insurance claims to cover unexpected funeral and burial costs, and possible wrongful death litigation after a fatal motorcycle  accident.

United States motorcycle fatality.

There were 5,014 motorcycle riders who suffered fatal injury on United States Roadways in 2019, increasing from 4,985 in 2018.  A motorcycle accident attorney can answer questions regarding the need for wrongful death and survivor’s legal action toward damage compensation in San Diego.

Fault of other drivers.

When motorcycle accidents occur, multiple parties may be negligent for the accident, separate from the driver.  Actions that lead to injury caused by other motor vehicles include:

• Failure to watch blind spots as motorcycles are smaller than passenger and commercial vehicles, the size discrepancy is greater with a big rig.
• Reckless driving.
• Switching lanes without signaling.
• Distracted driving is probably the worst major hazard to motorcyclists with the increased use of technology while driving.

At fault drivers may claim that the biker was out of the visual path, or they were driving recklessly, but motorcycle accidents occur when other drivers do not see a cyclist, or are engaged in some other illegal driving behaviors. When criminal action such as drunk driving is the cause of a fatal accident, surviving loved ones of a person who died in a motorcycle accident should contact a personal injury attorney who will explain the relevance of the criminal case to strengthen the civil case.

Damages.

When death occurs after a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle, a reconstructionist specialist and other experts may assist experienced California accident lawyers as they build a case for damage compensation. A personal injury attorney can help victims navigate their way through insurance claims for accidental death benefits after a motorcycle accident.   If an accident victim dies, the damages will be paid to the estate of the individual.  Motorcycle accident attorneys can also communicate with insurance companies regarding accidental death benefits, or other insurance compensation that may be necessary for immediate costs for funeral and burial expenses.

Hire an attorney.

An experienced attorney who is familiar with California motorcycle accident laws can be reached at the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, and will take action to build a winning claim against a negligent driver when fatal injury occurs.

Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, a Professional Law Corporation

501 West Broadway, Suite 1650

San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-233-8021

Fax: 619-233-3730

Sources:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=20001

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles

https://www.ghsa.org/issues/motorcycle-safety