[12-16-2023] San Diego County, CA – 62-Year-Old Man Killed Following Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crash in Escondido

A 62-year-old man named Craig J. was killed following a  motorcycle vs. vehicle crash in Escondido on Saturday morning, December 16, 2023.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened at 11:30 a.m. on Highland Valley Road, east of Bandy Canyon Road.

Reports say the man riding a 2017 Yamaha FZ09 motorcycle was traveling east on the road when a 20-year-old 2019 Toyota Camry male driver exiting a residential driveway turned onto the same road in front of the rider.

While attempting to avoid a crash, the rider steered right, which resulted in the motorcycle colliding with the Toyota’s right front bumper.

The rider was ejected, and both he and his bike landed north of the northern edge of the road. Paramedics transported him to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, where he died. The other driver was not injured.

Ongoing investigations show that alcohol did not play a role in the crash. There is no further information available regarding the crash at this time.

Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Escondido, San Diego County

When another’s negligence is responsible for the incident, the victim or a family member of the victim may be able to seek compensation. You can rely on our experience, resources, and knowledge to effectively and efficiently resolve your case.

As part of the free consultation, one of our attorneys will examine your case, provide you with legal guidance, and consider all the factors that can affect the outcome of your case as part of the process.

Seek legal advice from our qualified San Diego County motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can provide you with clear and effective legal representation. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million for California clients and is widely recognized as one of the state’s most reputable law firms.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

9 Essential Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, you might feel confused and unsure, with lots of important questions. Whatever the situation, know that you can speak with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers immediately about your injuries and the damage to your belongings. It is beneficial to consult a legal expert as soon as possible.

Here are the steps you should take after a motorcycle accident:

1. Stay calm. It’s normal to feel worried after a crash or get very angry at the other parties involved. But remember, things you do and say right after the accident might not help you later. Stay calm, and don’t say it was your fault.
2. Get to a safe location. If you can, move to the side of the road and wait for the police. If your vehicle is disabled, you should place it on the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Wait for the police and a tow truck if you cannot move it.
3. Check for injuries. Check for apparent injuries like cuts or fractures on yourself and others. Your legal duty is to remain at the scene until you know no one has been injured or requires assistance. Call for an ambulance immediately. Severe injuries may include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
4. Call the police. Ensure to inform the police about the accident to have an official record. They can gather crucial details about the other driver, road conditions, and what witnesses say.
5. Gather information. Even if the police officer takes notes, writing things down yourself is a wise choice. Get information like the other driver’s name and insurance, especially if you’re not hurt. If you need to go to the hospital, have a friend or family member collect the information.
6. Take photographs. Take photos of your motorcycle, the other driver’s vehicle, the road, and your injuries. If there’s anything else important, like a hidden stop sign or something in the road, take pictures of that, too. The more details you have from your accident, the better it is if your case goes to court.
7. Seek medical attention. Head to the hospital quickly after an accident; you may have overlooked significant injuries. Motorcycle accidents can harm your head or brain, and these injuries might not be immediately obvious. Hospital tests can detect such injuries before it’s too late.
8. Keep documents organized. Make a folder with all the documents about your accident. This can include photos, medical records, a copy of the police report, statements from witnesses, and information about the other driver. Organizing your documents before negotiating compensation with the other party’s insurance company or pursuing legal action is helpful.
9. Contact our trusted motorcycle accident firm. You have two years from the date of your injury to initiate a personal injury claim. However, promptly consulting one of the California motorcycle accident lawyers or car accident lawyers can help protect critical evidence and uphold your legal rights. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss the details of your accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers provide comprehensive coverage across the entire state of California.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of occupant deaths, and 4% of occupant injuries in 2020, despite driving less than 3% of registered vehicles.

There was an increase of 11% in motorcycle fatalities between 2019 and 2020, while there was an increase of 23% in vehicle kilometers driven. There has been an increase of 20% and 27% in death and mortality rates over the past decade, respectively. Over the past year, there have been 31.64 fatalities per 100 million kilometers, representing a rate of 5.579 fatalities per 100 million kilometers.

As reported by the SWITRS data for 2021, 13,381 motorcycle crashes resulted in injuries and fatalities. In 2022, 10,597 motorcycle accidents were reported in California. In total, 8,632 people were injured in these accidents, and 532 people were killed. The majority of motorcyclists who are involved in accidents are males. Deaths in motorcycle accidents are highest among people aged 25–34.