(Julian, CA) A motorcycle rider died, and another person sustained injuries in a State Route 79 collision Thursday evening in Julian.
On Thursday, September 4, at 6:06 p.m., the California Highway Patrol received reports of the State Route 79 collision. According to CHP officers, it happened on southbound State Route 79, just south of Harrison Park Road in the Harrison Park neighborhood.
Upon investigating, authorities learned the crash involved a motorcycle with two riders and an SUV. Witnesses reported the SUV went into an embankment after the collision. Two people from the motorcycle landed in the roadway after the impact. When officers arrived, they found one rider unconscious and struggling to breathe. Paramedics with the California Highway Patrol and the local fire department responded shortly after. Despite their efforts, they pronounced one motorcycle rider dead at the scene.
Emergency crews transported the surviving rider to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have not yet confirmed the extent of their injuries. Authorities have not released the identities of the involved riders pending notification of family members. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the State Route 79 collision to determine the factors that led to the fatal crash.
Legal Opinion on the State Route 79 Collision
This State Route 79 collision raises serious legal concerns about responsibility and liability. Because the crash resulted in a fatality, investigators will review multiple California laws. One important law is California Vehicle Code 22107. This law requires drivers to make turns or lane changes only when it is safe to do so. If investigators find that the SUV made an unsafe movement that caused the collision, this code may apply.
Another relevant law is California Vehicle Code 22350, known as the Basic Speed Law. It requires drivers to travel at a safe speed for conditions, regardless of the posted limit. If speed played a role, liability could shift toward the speeding driver. If the SUV driver failed to see the motorcycle due to distraction, then California Vehicle Code 23123.5, which prohibits handheld cell phone use while driving, could also become relevant.
What the Family Can Do
The family of the deceased rider may pursue a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60. This law allows close relatives to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. The injured rider may also bring a personal injury claim. This claim could cover hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
An attorney can help both the family and the injured rider by reviewing the full accident report on the State Route 79 collision. They can also speak with witnesses and check for surveillance or traffic camera footage. Quick action can preserve crucial evidence before it is lost. While no amount of money can undo the tragedy, legal action can help the family find accountability and financial support. It can also help the injured rider recover necessary resources during this difficult time.
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. We know this is a difficult time as you mourn the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one. If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this horrible incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
