A motorcycle accident in Modesto proved fatal for 24-year-old Aaron Murdaugh the night of June 22, 2010. The Modesto Bee reports that Murdaugh was heading east on Briggsmore Avenue when he was struck by a Toyota sedan that was making a left turn from a shopping center. The driver of the Toyota is described as a 66-year-old man. He and his passenger were not injured. But Murdaugh sustained fatal injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Aaron Murdaugh. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

There were eight deaths and 1,163 injuries involving Modesto car accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Stanislaus County as a whole, 45 people died and 2,583 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Yielding Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the Toyota failed to yield right-of-way to the approaching motorcyclist. Officials say that the driver of the Toyota was not impaired. However, if I were a member of the deceased victim's family, I would want to know whether the other driver was distracted, speeding, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision.

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: "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."

Claim for Compensation

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. An experienced Modesto personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families about their legal rights and options.

What tips or suggestions would you offer to motorists to drive safely around motorcyclists?

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.