Motorcyclist Killed in Los Angeles Car Accident

A motorcyclist who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident has been identified by local authorities as 20-year-old Blake Harold. The Pasadena Star-News reports that the fatal motorcycle crash occurred the afternoon of March 12, 2010 at the intersection of Rosemead Boulevard and Emperor Avenue in Temple City. Harold was northbound on Rosemead when he was hit by a Toyota Matrix making a left turn onto Emperor Avenue. The 21-year-old driver of the Matrix was uninjured.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Blake Harold for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. This grieving family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

There were no fatalities, but four injuries were reported in Temple City as a result of motorcycle accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured due to motorcycle accidents in 2008.

Fault and Liability

If the details of this news report are correct, the driver was making the left turn on a yellow light. Officials are still looking into whose fault this collision was. California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states the following requirements for drivers making a left turn or a U-turn: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the 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 movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

If it is determined that the driver of the Matrix caused this accident, he could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. If a dangerous condition at this intersection caused or contributed to the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the intersection can also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to consult an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other damages.

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 at fault" persons named in this article and their family members.