Motorcyclist Michael Lopez (Full Name: Michael Edward Lopez) Died In Bakersfield Semi-Truck Accident Near The Intersection of Highway 119 and Airport Road Near Taft
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (June 6, 2022) – A 22-year-old man identified as Michael Lopez died in a Bakersfield motorcycle accident with semi-truck by Highway 119 and Airport Road.
Kern County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday. Michael Edward Lopez was riding a motorcycle when he was involved in a collision with a semi-truck under unclear circumstances.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Michael Lopez was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. A full investigation into the truck accident that killed Michael Lopez remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Bakersfield Semi-Truck Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5,014 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic collisions in 2019. Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to be seriously injured in car accidents than those in enclosed vehicles. Semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous to motorcyclists for a number of reasons.
- Semi-trucks tend to have a very high ground clearance thereby making underride collisions more likely.
- Semi-trucks tend to have very large blind spots that can obscure the presence of motorcyclists.
- Semi-trucks have a very wide turning radius that can cross into other lanes of traffic.
All truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. Many accidents take place when truck drivers make dangerous turns at intersections. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to make a left turn shall yield the right of way to all traffic traveling from the opposite direction close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a truck driver makes an abrupt left turn in front of another vehicle, they will typically be held at fault through a civil claim.
The owner of a truck could also be liable for a truck accident. Employers are typically vicariously liable for the wrongful acts of their subordinates – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their employment. For example, a truck driver may have been delivering packages when they were involved in a collision. It is important to determine whether or not a truck driver was working as an employee or “independent contractor” at the time of any collision.
In certain scenarios, a city could potentially be liable for a semi-truck accident. Under California Government Code 835, a public entity may be liable for an injury caused by a dangerous condition on their property – provided that the public entity had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition on their property. There are a number of ways that an intersection or road could potentially be in a dangerous condition and contribute to an accident.
- An intersection may lack adequate traffic signs or signals.
- An intersection may have an obstructed line of sight due to foliage or buildings.
- A roadway may have potholes that cause bicyclists or motorcyclists to lose control.
The family of any victim that died in a semi-truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will include the decedent’s next of kin such as their spouse or children. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Edward Lopez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. Many questions need to be answered. Was the semi-truck driver involved in this crash distracted? Were they speeding? Did they have logbook violations?
Do you need more information about a Bakersfield semi-truck accident? Our team of motorcycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions? Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
