A 37-year-old man who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle on the 210 Freeway, has been identified as Lincoln Juarez. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fatal collision occurred the morning of April 10, 2010 in the eastbound lanes of the freeway, near Fruit Street, in La Verne. Juarez was ejected from his 2008 Harley Davidson following the collision with a 2006 Jeep Cherokee. Juarez was pronounced dead at the scene. The Jeep was being driven by a 19-year-old man. California Highway Patrol officials are in the process of determining whether one the motorists involved here had made an unsafe lane change.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lincoln Juarez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in my prayers..
Motorcycle Accidents
According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but two injuries involving motorcycle accidents in La Verne. In Los Angeles County as a whole, motorcycle accidents claimed 114 lives and injured 2,934 during the same year.
Fault and Liability
Based on this news report, it appears that one of the vehicles – either the motorcycle or the Jeep – may have made an "unsafe lane change." California Vehicle Code section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."
If Juarez caused the accident, then the driver of the Jeep can file a personal injury claim against Juarez's estate or his insurance. But if the Jeep's driver is determined to have caused this accident, then he could be held liable for Juarez's wrongful death. Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who will advise them about their legal rights and options.
What tips would you give to motorists to be more conscious of motorcyclists on the road?
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.
This is a horrific story. Such a young man and to have died so early in life.
This person who died was my baby brother! From those people who were there and kind enough to stop and talk to the CHP. Clearly told the CHP that the driver of the Jeep was at fault. As an investigator, any comments that may give anyone the ideal that the motor cycle rider may have been a fault is legally wrong! To toss "what if's" if a crying shame! Here is a fact the driver hit my brother from behind (fact), damages to his vehicle clearly shows point of impact that does not relate to a lane change. But indicates a head on rear end.