A motorcycle accident in Kern County the night of July 12, 2010 resulted in the death of 22-year-old Steven Mason, the Taft Midway Driller reports. The fatal crash happened on Kern Street at Eighth Street when Mason, who was riding a Honda motorcycle, collided with a car that was turning left from Eighth to Kern Street. Mason sustained fatal injuries and died at an area medical center.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Steven Mason for their profound loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

One fatality and 31 injuries were reported in 2008 as a result of car accidents in Taft, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Kern County as a whole, 103 fatalities and 3,460 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Laws and Liability Issues

A number of motorcycle accidents occur at street intersections. This is especially true in cases where the other vehicle is making a left turn. Very often, we find that drivers fail to look for smaller vehicles and pedestrians at street intersections. California law requires drivers to yield to oncoming vehicles prior to making a left turn or a U-turn.

According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a): "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, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

If the driver of the other vehicle is determined to have been at fault, then he could be held liable for the wrongful death of the motorcyclist. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this fatal crash, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway can also be held liable. Under California Governmental Code section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident. Experienced California personal injury lawyers will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the greatest dangers faced by motorcyclists on our roadways?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.