The San Diego County Medical Examiner has identified a 61-year-old man who was killed in a motorcycle accident on August 12, 2010 as Paul Raymond Farris of Ramona. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Farris was found by a couple taking a walk down Dos Picos Park Road west of Mussey Grade Road in Ramona. California Highway Patrol officials say Farris was likely traveling at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a curve and went off the roadway into some bushes. Farris died at the scene. Officials say there is no evidence at this point that drugs or alcohol were factors in this fatal motorcycle crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Raymond Farris for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

San Diego Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 27 fatalities and 374 personal injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Also, countywide, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Crash?

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear what caused Farris to lose control of the motorcycle and crashed. So far, it doesn't seem as if officials have found or talked to anyone who actually witnessed the crash. Farris was apparently deceased when the couple found him off the roadway.

So, there are several unanswered questions here. How did Farris lose control of the motorcycle? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction, which may have caused or contributed to the crash? Was the crash a result of a dangerous or defective roadway? Were there any other vehicles involved? For example, was Farris run off the roadway by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking at these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.

Protecting Their Rights

Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will examine all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. In such cases, it would also be in their best interests to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition so it can be carefully examined by an accident reconstruction expert for evidence of auto product defects, mechanical failures or other evidence.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for motorcyclists in your city or neighborhood?

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.