Motorcycle Rider Adam Chaidez (Full Name: Adam James Chaidez) Died In Victorville Car Accident With FedEx Van by The Intersection of Balsam Road and Lone Eagle Street
VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA (June 19, 2022) – A motorcyclist identified as Adam Chaidez has died in a Victorville car accident with a FedEx van by the intersection of Balsam Road and Lone Eagle Street.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:48 p.m. on Wednesday. A FedEx van was involved in a collision with a gray Suzuki motorcycle driven by Adam James Chaidez.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Adam Chaidez was airlifted to the Loma Linda University Medical Center with serious injuries. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.
A full investigation into the motorcycle accident that killed Adam Chaidez remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Victorville FedEx Car Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in car accidents. According to the Insurance Information Institute, “Operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. Motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than drivers in closed vehicles.” In 2019 alone, over 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in car accidents. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to motorcycle accidents.
- Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to scan the road ahead of them.
- Motorcycle collisions are more likely to occur at night and during periods of reduced visibility.
- Nearly 1/3 of fatal motorcycle accidents involve an intoxicated driver.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. A large proportion of motorcycle accidents are due to drivers that make dangerous turns. According to California Vehicle Code 21801, all drivers intending to turn to the left must yield the right of way to traffic traveling from the opposite direction and close enough to pose a hazard. If a driver makes an abrupt turn in front of a motorcyclist, they can be held at fault through a civil claim.
If the driver of a delivery company was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees are working within the course and scope of their job duties. However, FedEx is one of the only delivery companies that classifies their workers as “independent contractors.” Generally speaking, companies are not liable for the wrongful acts of the “independent contractors” that they hire.
But many courts have called into question the legitimacy of FedEx’s decision to classify its delivery drivers as “independent contractors.” Numerous courts have held that FedEx has mislabeled their delivery drivers as independent contractors. In fact, FedEx recently settled an independent contractor mislabeling lawsuit in California for $228 million. The settlement came after a 2014 Ninth Circuit ruling that FedEx misclassified drivers as independent contractors. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any car accident.
- The employment status of the at fault driver should be determined.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
Any person that is injured in a FedEx truck accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after an accident. A motorcycle accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Victorville Motorcycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Adam Chaidez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough investigation into what happened.
Have you or someone that you love been injured in a FedEx truck accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. 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 those rights are being protected. 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.
