Bradley Robert Eckhardt, 48, was killed in a San Diego car accident after he lost control of his motorcycle and hit a pickup truck head-on. According to a San Diego 6 news report, the fatal crash occurred the morning of July 4, 2010 on Lilac Road in Valley Center. Eckhardt was riding his vintage 1969 RD350 Yamaha motorcycle south on Lilac when he lost control and slid into the path of an oncoming Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck. The truck driver was not able to stop in time before hitting Eckhardt. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating the crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to everybody who knew and loved Bradley Robert Eckhardt for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. According to the article, Eckhardt served as the planning director for the city of Perris and was a vital member of the city's staff. Please keep his family members, friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 355 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in San Diego. In San Diego County as a whole, 51 people died and 1,081 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this newspaper report, it is not quite clear what led to this tragic motorcycle crash. Why did Eckhardt lose control of the motorcycle? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle, which may have caused him to lose control? Was there a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway, which caused this accident? Were any other vehicles involved? For example, was Eckhardt cut off by another motorist, which made him cross into opposing traffic lanes and crash into the pickup truck? I trust CHP investigators are closely examining these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Protecting the Family's Rights

If I were a member of Eckhardt's family, I would definitely want to know whether there was any negligence on the part of someone else. It is also important in such cases to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition so it can be carefully examined for vehicle defects, malfunctions and other evidence. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the family's legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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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.