Motorcyclist Francisco Vasquez Jr Died In Salinas Car Accident With Pickup Truck on Natividad Road By Saratoga Drive
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA (April 12, 2022) – A man identified as Francisco Vasquez Jr died in a motorcycle accident involving a pickup truck on Natividad Road near Saratoga Drive.
Monterey County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Francisco Javier Vasquez Jr., known affectionately as “Frank Da Tank,” was riding his motorcycle northbound on Natividad Road when a Ford F-150 pickup truck made a left turn in front of him.
The victim was thrown from his motorcycle upon impact and sustained critical injuries. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help him
Sadly, Francisco Vasquez Jr died due to the severity of his injuries. The driver of the Ford F-150 remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
A full investigation into the accident that killed Francisco Vasquez Jr remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Salinas Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are far less crashworthy than closed vehicles and are also more likely to be overlooked. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in the United States in 2019. Per vehicle miles traveled motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to be seriously injured than those in enclosed vehicles. There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Drivers should use their signals before changing lanes.
- Drivers should maintain a safe distance with motorcyclists and other vehicles.
All drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. According to California Vehicle Code 21801, “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement.” If a driver makes an abrupt left turn in front of a motorcyclist, they will typically be held at fault in the event of a collision.
Liability for a car accident could extend beyond any driver. For example, if the driver of a pickup truck was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Many pickup trucks are used for commercial purposes such as landscaping and transportation. In order for a company to be vicariously liable for an accident, the at-fault employee must have been working within the course and scope of their employment. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any motorcycle accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought. Most intersections are covered by cameras.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- The purpose of any pickup truck driver’s trip should be determined.
- 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 can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that can come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include a victim’s spouse and children. Sadly, companies will often fight hard to deny any responsibility 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 Salinas Motorcycle Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Francisco Javier Vasquez Jr. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There are a number of questions that need to be answered. Was the driver of the pickup truck distracted before the accident? Did they check their blind spots before turning? What was the purpose of their trip?
Do you need more information about a Salinas motorcycle accident? Our team of Salinas 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.
