Michael Barrios Died In Morro Bay Car Accident While Riding Motorcycle On Atascadero Road Near Hill Street
MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA (December 3, 2022) – A motorcyclist identified as Michael Barrios died in a Morro Bay car accident with a pickup truck along Atascadero Road.
San Luis Obispo County officials are saying that the collision took place around 1:45 p.m. on Monday. Michael Barrios was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a pickup truck exiting the driveway of a business.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Michael Barrios complained of pain and was taken to a local hospital in order to receive treatment.
Despite the best efforts of doctors and medical staff, Michael Barrios was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Morro Bay officers are asking the public for help in order to determine what happened.
Liability For Morro Bay Motorcycle Accidents
Driving a motorcycle is substantially more difficult than driving a four-wheel vehicle. Motorcyclists are also much more likely to be overlooked. Sadly, fatal motorcycle collisions have become increasingly common. According to the NHTSA, “In 2020 there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since FARS started in 1975.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
- Drivers should slow down during periods of inclement weather.
- Drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
Fatigue, in particular, is one of the most common causes of car accidents. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that staying awake for only 18 hours can reduce a person’s ability to drive safely equal to driving with a BAC of 0.05%. For comparison, it is illegal for commercial drivers to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. Many collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left or to complete a U-turn in the roadway must first yield the right-of-way to all drivers traveling from the opposite direction that are close enough so as to pose a hazard.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a car accident could extend beyond any driver. Pickup trucks are often used for commercial purposes. If a pickup truck driver was working at the time of a crash, 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 were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Victims of car accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
The family of any person that is killed in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, though, drivers will often fight to deny any responsibility when they hit a motorcyclist. This is why it is so important that all evidence related to a crash is properly preserved.
Investigating A Morrow Bay Motorcycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Barrios. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Morrow Bay motorcycle 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 any type of support after a collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
