(Gardena, CA) Romario Ribeiro, 30, was identified as the motorcyclist who died following a November 3 crash with a Mercedes-Benz at El Segundo Boulevard and Vermont Avenue.
On Tuesday, at about 5:50 p.m., Gardena police responded to the intersection, according to Traffic Bureau Lt. Matthew Hassoldt. Officers located both drivers when they arrived. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel transported Ribeiro to UCLA Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, Hassoldt said.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner released his identity on November 10 and reported that he sustained multiple blunt-force injuries. The Mercedes-Benz driver cooperated with investigators. The Gardena Police Department Traffic Bureau is handling the investigation under report number T26-4897.
Anyone with information about the crash was urged to contact Sgt. V. Gomez at 310-217-6122 or Investigator J. Zamudio at 310-217-6189.
Understanding the El Segundo Boulevard Collision
Right-of-way is a potential legal issue when a motorcycle and car collide at an intersection. Gardena police’s release does not describe either vehicle’s approach or movement, so the following rules concern possible circumstances, not reported violations.
If either motorist was turning left across opposing traffic, California Vehicle Code 21801 would govern the obligation to yield. The turning driver must wait until approaching vehicles are far enough away for the turn to be completed safely. That duty continues throughout the turn, including across additional lanes of oncoming traffic.
If either vehicle entered against a red signal, California Vehicle Code 21453 would be relevant. It generally requires a driver facing a steady red light to stop and remain stopped. A permitted right turn on red still requires a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and approaching vehicles that present an immediate hazard.
These rules address different movements: crossing opposing traffic during a left turn and entering against a red light. Neither gives a motorist permission to proceed simply because another driver has stopped or yielded elsewhere in the intersection.
Help for the Family
When contacting the Traffic Bureau about the El Segundo Boulevard collision, you can reference report T26-4897 and ask how your family can obtain the collision report when it becomes available. Because Ribeiro was transported to UCLA Medical Center, hospital records would be requested separately; ask each records office what authorization it requires before submitting personal documents.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 888-888-9285 to speak with a lawyer.
