Ellis Woodall (Full Name: Ellis James Woodall) , 37, of Jacumba Hot Springs, Died In Potrero Car Accident With Van on State Route 94
POTRERO, CALIFORNIA (March 3, 2023) – Ellis Woodall was killed in a Potrero motorcycle accident with a van along State Route 94 by the Bell Valley Truck Trail intersection.
San Diego County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:00 p.m. on February 19. Ellis Woodall was riding a motorcycle when he was hit by a van making a U-turn into eastbound lanes of traffic.
The victim was ejected into the roadway following the collision. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Sadly, Ellis Woodall was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Portero Motorcycle Accidents
Far too many motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured every year in the United States. 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 a number of measures that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road.
- Drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. A large number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous turns. According to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to make a left turn or U-turn must first yield the right of way to any vehicle traveling from the opposite direction close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a driver makes a U-turn in front of a motorcyclist prior to a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver. Many vans are used for commercial purposes. If the driver of a van was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. In general, 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. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any motorcycle accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The employment status of the driver of any van should be determined.
The family of any person that is killed in a motorcycle 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, drivers will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after a crash. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability for any crash.
Investigating A Portero Motorcycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ellis Woodall. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Portero motorcycle 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
