Riding a motorcycle is usually an excellent way to get around Santa Barbara, with the city’s beautiful weather and scenic routes. However, even the most peaceful motorcycle ride can quickly become a much more stressful experience when an accident occurs. Worse yet, some of these accidents can result in serious injuries that can turn fatal.
Man Killed in Motorcycle-Mail Truck Collision in Santa Barbara
A 45-year-old man was killed after his motorcycle collided with a turning mail truck on May 2, 2023. According to a report from KSBY, the man was traveling on Marina Drive in Santa Barbara when the mail truck turned left onto Alisa Lane, colliding with the man and ejecting him from the motorcycle. Santa Barbara Fire Department (SBFD) was the first on the scene and pronounced the man dead from his injuries.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), but drugs or alcohol are not believed to have been a factor. The driver of the mail truck was not injured in the collision.
How Does Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Santa Barbara?
Unfortunately, accidents like the one above–where a vehicle turns left into a motorcyclist–are rather common in Santa Barbara and virtually anywhere else with motorcyclists. These types of accidents are so common that they have a name: left-turn accidents. These types of accidents can be much more dangerous for the person on the motorcycle, as they often occur at high speeds and involve significant impact on collision with the larger, heavier vehicle.
Thus, it’s important to look at the underlying causes of these accidents:
- Failure to yield – The most common cause of left-turn motorcycle accidents is the driver’s failure to yield to the motorcycle. The driver may misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or distance or may not see the motorcycle due to blind spots or other factors.
- Distracted driving – Being distracted by phones, passengers, or other factors is another major cause of left-turn accidents. Drivers may not be paying close enough attention to the road to notice an oncoming motorcycle, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Impaired driving – A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol is operating their vehicle with greatly impaired judgment, reaction time, and vision. This makes it more difficult for them to avoid a left-turn motorcycle accident.
- Reckless driving – Speeding and other reckless driving increase the risk of a collision by not having enough time to react to an oncoming motorcycle when making a left turn.
While these are the leading causes of left-turn accidents, it doesn’t cover all the scenarios that can lead to them in Santa Barbara. Moreover, motorcyclists themselves have to take their safety into account in the face of these accidents and should always wear protective equipment and stay alert while riding.
Support For Santa Babara Motorcycle Accident Victims
The devastating effects of a left-turn motorcycle accident in Santa Barbara can’t be overstated. Whether you’re facing serious injuries or tragically lost a loved one to one of these accidents, you shouldn’t hesitate to explore your legal options. Any accident victim can pursue a claim for damages against the person responsible for the accident, including medical expenses, emotional distress damages, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial expenses if the accident was fatal.
In order to do this, consider working with our team of experienced Santa Barbara motorcycle accident lawyers at Maison Law. We can explain the full range of your options and put together a case that will give you an opportunity to obtain much-needed benefits and support. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
