San Diego, CA (November 17, 2023) A motorcyclist lost his life on Thursday evening, November 16th, when he collided with an SUV in San Diego. Officers with the San Diego Police Department said they received the call about a motorcyclist versus vehicle collision around 8:16 p.m.
Officers arrived at the scene at Erlanger Street and Governor Drive to find a man lying on the ground. According to initial reports, he had been riding a 2018 KTM dirt bike and was driving at a high rate of speed with no lights on, in the dark, in the area of University Heights.
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At the same time, a 66-year-old woman was driving a silver 2005 Lexus SUV and made a left turn onto Erlanger Street in front of the motorcycle. According to Officer Robert Heim, the motorcycle and the Lexus collided as the woman made her turn.
Paramedics at the scene were ready to give medical aid to the motorcyclist. They loaded him into an ambulance and rushed him to the nearest hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police reported that alcohol or drugs was not a factor in this collision. However, they do believe speed was a factor and the woman couldn’t see the motorcycle in the dark since he didn’t have his lights on.
The San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Division is leading the investigation into this collision.
Liability In San Diego Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists have a naturally small profile and are more likely to be overlooked by other drivers. Many collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous lane changes. According to California Vehicle Code 22107, “No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a motorcycle accident including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
The family of any victim that died in a motorcycle accident may be able to seek aid through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. There are, however, statute of limitations associated with civil claims. Failing to act within the statute of limitations may result in a permanent forfeiture of your rights.
Investigating A San Diego Motorcycle Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the motorcyclist killed in this collision. Anyone who may have additional information regarding this case should reach out to us. A full investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping accident victims get the information and support that they deserve. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.