Alfredo Gonzalez, 33, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his motorcycle and a car struck each other at a street intersection the evening of February 22, 2010, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. Gonzalez was riding a 2004 Suzuki GSXR-1000 when he crashed into a 1992 Honda Accord at the intersection of Badillo Street and Sunset Avenue in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. The Accord, driven by a 22-year-old woman, was eastbound on Badillo Street and was going through the intersection in the left lane, when Gonzalez hit the front left of her car, California Highway Patrol officials said. The woman has not been charged or arrested, as an investigation is ongoing.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family of Alfredo Gonzalez for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 25 fatalities and 505 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Also, countywide, 114 fatalities and 2,934 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

The Law Relating to Left Turns

Based on this news report, the collision occurred when the motorcyclist, Gonzalez, was attempting to make a left turn at the intersection. California law is very specific about the requirements for drivers making a left turn or a U-turn. 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."

Liability Issues

If Gonzalez failed to yield right-of-way to the oncoming Honda Accord, then the accident was very likely Gonzalez's fault. However, if he did have the right-of-way at the time, then the driver of the Accord could be held liable for the accident. If there was a dangerous condition at that intersection, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held responsible. Any such claims involving California governmental entities must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney will be able to help victims and families through these tough times by securing just compensation, protecting their legal rights and holding the negligent parties accountable.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.