Accident on Magazine Street on-Ramp Claims Life of Motorcyclist
A fatal motorcycle crash occurred in Vallejo on January 22 when the rider lost control of the Harley-Davidson he was riding. The accident happened along Interstate 80 eastbound at the on-ramp for Magazine Street, according to the collision report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). An officer with the CHP reported that the motorcyclist was speeding at the time he lost control of his bike.
Fatal Motorcycle Crash Investigation Ongoing
The rider was ejected after his motorcycle hit two signs on the roadway. The deceased rider was identified as Jeff Lipary Jr., 42, of Concord. The accident is under investigation by CHP traffic officers, who reported that alcohol or drug use had not been ruled out as a factor in the fatal motorcycle crash.
Causes of a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycles are more prone to accidents because they have only two wheels instead of the four on a passenger vehicle. Riders understand this, and most of them are cautious. However, there are reasons a motorcycle crash can occur and result in a fatality that is caused by an outside influence, and families can file a wrongful death claim in these cases. Some of these types of negligence include:
- Defective parts: Malfunctioning brakes, defective tires, fuel systems, and other problems can lead to a motorcycle crash with serious results. Retaining the motorcycle following a collision is important, so it can be examined for defects. If a defect caused the motorcycle crash that resulted in your loved one’s death, the manufacturer, parts maker, and others can be held responsible through a product liability claim.
- Roadway negligence: When potholes, debris, oil, upheavals in the pavement, and other problems exist, they can easily lead to a motorcycle crash. The government entity in charge of maintenance can be held responsible in those cases. However, because the statute of limitations to file against a government entity is much shorter than for other personal injuries, getting advice from an injury lawyer may be beneficial.
- Negligent drivers: Negligent drivers are a major cause of injuries and fatalities to motorcycle riders. Some of the ways in which they are negligent include turning in front of a rider, speeding, distracted and drunk driving and others. When a negligent driver caused the death of your loved one, your family or the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
In California, the representative of the estate of the deceased may file as well as members of the immediate family. If the decedent was married or had a putative spouse, they can file as well as the children. If the decedent was unmarried, the parents and siblings may place a claim for wrongful death. A Vallejo wrongful death attorney can explain how a claim proceeds and who would be eligible to file for damages.
Because motorcycle riders are sometimes viewed negatively by insurance companies and juries due to old movies, having a lawyer who understands this and can combat negative comments is important. Over the years, our law firm has successfully obtained compensation for many grieving families after they lost their loved one in a motorcycle crash.
Vallejo Wrongful Death Lawyers
I am Ed Smith, a Vallejo wrongful death lawyer. When negligence by another driver or entity caused the death of your loved one, you are welcome to call us to find out if you can place a wrongful death claim. You can reach us for our free and friendly advice at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. We can also be contacted online. We can set up a no-obligation consultation at no cost to you to review your case, answer questions and tell you about options for your family to recover damages.
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Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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