A motorcyclist who was fatally injured in a car accident in Los Angeles has been identified as 30-year-old Michael Roberts. The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the morning of July 2, 2011 near the intersection of Chatsworth Street and Zelzah Avenue in Chatsworth. Officials say Roberts' 2000 Ducati motorcycle was hit by a Toyota driven by 80-year-old Helen Heanue as the woman was exiting a private driveway. Roberts died at a local medical center. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Michael Roberts for their irreparable loss. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accidents

There were 114 deaths and 2,934 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles County, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In the city of Los Angeles, 42 people were killed and 1,289 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to why the driver of the car failed to yield right-of-way to the motorcyclist. California Vehicle Code Section 21804 (a) requires any motorist abut to enter a roadway to yield right-of-way to all traffic. In this case, it is not clear why the elderly driver did not do that. Was she distracted, inattentive or confused? Did she have a valid license? Did the driver have any health or medical issues? These are some of the issues that must be investigated in order to determine what occurred here and why.

If the elderly driver is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for the victim's wrongful death. Families of deceased car accident victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.

Lost a family member in a Los Angeles County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Los Angeles motorcycle accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.