Jacob Smith (Full Name: Jacob Lawrence Smith) Died In Escondido Motorcycle Accident With Cargo Van on Mary Lane near Summit Drive
ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA (December 22, 2022) – A motorcyclist identified as Jacob Smith was killed in an Escondido car accident along Mary Lane near Summit Drive.
San Diego County officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday. Jacob Smith was riding a Honda CBR motorcycle when a Nissan NV 1500 cargo van pulled out of a driveway and directly into his path.
The motorcyclist was unable to avoid the collision and hit the cargo van. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Jacob Smith was taken to a local hospital in order to receive treatment. Despite life-saving measures, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The driver of the cargo van remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Liability For Escondido Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are very vulnerable in car accidents. According to the National Safety Council, “Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take to avoid hitting motorcyclists.
- Drivers should always obey speed limits and traffic regulations.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
- Drivers should abstain from alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
All drivers must use precaution to avoid causing accidents. Pursuant to California Civil Code 21804, the driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a road from a public or private driveway must first yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that is close enough so as to constitute an immediate hazard. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that enters into the path of another vehicle after exiting a private driveway.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a car accident could extend beyond any driver. Cargo vans are typically used for commercial purposes such as transporting passengers to the airport or other locations. If the operator of a cargo van was working at the time of a collision, their employers could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Victims of car accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
The family of any person that is killed in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, it is common for drivers to deny liability for any collision. They may try to blame the victim or say that they were at least partially at fault. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Escondido Cargo Van Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jacob Smith. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about an Escondido cargo van accident? Our team of motorcycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
