A motorcyclist who was critically injured in an Oakland car accident the afternoon of March 11, 2010 has been identified as Christopher Pasqini, 35. His 8-year-old daughter was also seriously injured in the crash that occurred at the intersection of 35th Avenue and California Street. The Oakland Tribune reports that Pasqini was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle north on 35th Avenue when a Honda Odyssey minivan driven by a 38-year-old man tried to make a left turn at the intersection and collided with the motorcycle. Pasqini and his daughter were thrown from the bike on to the street. Both were wearing helmets, but were severely injured.

I hope and pray that Christopher Pasqini and his daughter recover quickly and completely from their serious injuries. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 159 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Oakland in 2008. In Alameda County as a whole, 14 fatalities and 495 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2008.

Laws and Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it is apparent that the driver of the minivan was making a left turn at the intersection. 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."

In this case, I trust officials are looking into which vehicle had the right-of-way at the intersection. If the driver of the minivan was at-fault, then he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. An experienced Oakland personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of an accident and help hold the negligent parties accountable.

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.