San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

CASA DE ORO - A 63-year-old Chula Vista man was tragically killed Thursday morning when an SUV turned into the path of his motorcycle, 10 News reported. The victim, Michael Ennis, was riding a 2009 Kawasaki Concourse east on Campo Road at about 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2010. At the same time, Wendy Antisdel, a 48-year-old Spring Valley woman, was driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee eastbound. The driver of the Jeep made a left turn directly into the path of Ennis's motorcycle near Merritt Boulevard. According to the CHP, Ennis braked and laid the motorcycle on its side. The bike clipped one of the rear wheels of the Jeep and Ennis was ejected. He was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, but died shortly before 3 p.m. Antisdel reportedly told investigators she was trying to turn into a driveway when the collision occurred.

Cause of the March 10th Spring Valley Motorcycle Crash

The cause of the fatal motorcycle accident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, if news accounts of the incident are accurate, the driver of the Jeep is likely responsible for this fatal accident. Under 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." The CHP will surely look at the speed of both vehicles and other factors to determine exactly what happened.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the CHP determines that the driver of the Jeep is responsible for this crash, she may be cited or charged with negligent driving. Additionally, she may be financially liable for the death of the victim, in a civil claim for wrongful death. Following a fatal motorcycle accident such as this one, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable San Diego wrongful death attorney. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of San Diego motorcycle accidents can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights to hold the driver - and any other responsible parties - fully accountable. Damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may include final medical expenses, lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have provided his family, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of love, care, and companionship.