A 49-year-old man was seriously injured in a car accident in Napa after a driver turned left in front of the motorcycle he was riding. James Woolworth suffered multiple fractures and spinal injuries as a result of the crash. The Napa Valley Register reports that Woolworth was riding a 2000 Honda motorcycle east on Third Street when a 1999 Dodge Ram driven by Nicole Shurtz-Shereen, 27, made a left turn in front of him and struck Woolworth. Officials are saying that Shurtz-Shereen did not yield right-of-way to the motorcyclist and caused the collision.
I sympathize with Woolworth and his family. I wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
There were two fatalities and 16 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Napa, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In Napa County as a whole, five people died and 85 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.
Left Turn Laws
California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states: "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."
Liability Issues
If the driver of the Dodge is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for Woolworth's serious injuries in this case. Victims who have been injured as a result of someone else's negligence can seek compensation to cover their injuries, damages and losses. An experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
What precautions would you take, especially as a motorist, to avoid these types of collisions at street intersections?
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.
