Treat Williams, a star of numerous theatrical, film, and television productions, was 71 years old when he died following a motorcycle crash earlier this month. As is true of many fatal vehicle accidents, Williams' crash occurred a short distance from home. And, as is true of too many deadly motorcycle accidents, Williams' accident raises the possibility that a car/truck/SUV driver failed to maintain a proper lookout. If a motorcycle crash has claimed the life of your loved one, you should reach out to a knowledgeable Santa Barbara motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Investigations by law enforcement officers concluded that the 35-year-old man who hit Williams was not impaired by drugs or alcohol. Instead, investigators believe that the driver, operating a 2008 Honda SUV and attempting to turn left from State Route 30 into a parking lot, did not see the oncoming motorcycle and turned into the actor's path. The motorcyclist was then unable to steer around a collision, according to the Vermont State Police.
This kind of scenario -- where a car/truck/SUV driver is attempting to execute a left turn -- is among the most dangerous circumstances a motorcyclist can face. According to 2021 statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 43% of all fatal two-vehicle motorcycle accidents involved the other vehicle turning left while the motorcyclist was going straight ahead, passing, or overtaking. In each year from 2017-2021, that percentage has varied little, ranging only from 43% to 41%.
The harsh reality is that many car/truck/SUV drivers' lookout efforts focus on spotting other cars, trucks, and SUVs, not smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles. Nevertheless, failure to spot an oncoming motorcycle still represents a potentially strong negligence case.
The Driver May Not Be the Only One Who's Potentially Liable
It's also important to keep in mind, however, that the car/truck/SUV driver's negligence in failing to maintain a proper lookout (and turning into the path of an oncoming motorcycle as a result) may not be the only cause of your loved one's fatal motorcycle accident. Sometimes, an additional factor in the crash is the design and/or maintenance of the road itself. If the road was designed in a way that created unreasonably unsafe sight lines, that may create an issue of design negligence. If the area was dangerous but there were no signs warning drivers of the potential hazards, that also could represent an instance of negligence.
Additionally, if things (such as nearby foliage) were maintained so poorly as to improperly impair drivers' ability to see, that might also be the basis of a legal claim. Be aware that these cases can be particularly complicated as the law of immunity shields governmental entities from certain kinds of lawsuits.
Success in a motorcycle accident case can be a challenge. Too many times, people -- up to and including law enforcement officers and police investigators -- bring a preconceived bias against motorcycles to the case. If you've lost a loved one, count on the skilled Santa Barbara motorcycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP to diligently fight for justice for you. Our team can help you in conducting an objective investigation of the crash and then get all the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 805-617-1365 or through our website to get a free case consultation today.
