Motorcyclist Marvin Walker Died In Riverside Car Accident With Tesla On The 91 Freeway Near Magnolia Avenue
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (July 8, 2022) – A motorcyclist identified as Marvin Walker, 48, died in a Riverside car accident on the 91 Freeway by Magnolia Avenue.
Riverside County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday. Marvin Walker was riding a Yamaha V-Star in the HOV lane when he was hit by a Tesla Model Y traveling from behind.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Sadly, Marvin Walker was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Riverside Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are often overlooked due to their small profile. According to the National Safety Council, “Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020.” There are many factors that could potentially contribute to motorcycle accidents.
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Inclement weather
- Driver fatigue
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid accidents. In that regard, they must operate their vehicles at a safe speed. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21703, the driver of every vehicle must not follow another vehicle at a distance closer than what would be reasonable and safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that rear-ends another vehicle in their own lane.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for any collision could extend beyond any driver. All modern Tesla vehicles including the Model Y come equipped with autopilot. This is a semi-autonomous driving system that can help keep a Tesla within its own lane of traffic. But a number of Tesla vehicles in autopilot have caused accidents by crashing into stalled vehicles. If the software on a Tesla malfunctions and contributes to an accident, Tesla could potentially be held at fault through a product liability claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident involving a Tesla.
- It should be determined if the Tesla was in Autopilot mode at the time of the collision.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a car 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. Sadly, though, car companies and insurance providers will often do everything in their power to deny liability for an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Riverside Tesla Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Marvin Walker. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Riverside car accident? Our team of consumer 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.
