Around 12:25 am on Monday, September 30, motorcyclist John Nealis was struck by two vehicles on state Route 94 near College Avenue resulting in his death. According to a news release from Officer Jared Grieshaber, the first collision occurred when a dark-colored sedan traveling at high speed hit Nealis’ motorcycle from behind and ejected him into traffic lanes. Nealis was then hit by a gray, four-door sedan.
According to officials both drivers who struck Nealis fled before officers arrived on the scene. Officials said that Nealis died at the scene.
What Makes Motorcycle Hit-and-Runs So Dangerous?
In 2022, California reported nearly 4,500 fatalities from traffic accidents, with 634 of those deaths involving motorcyclists. In San Diego County alone, there were more than 1,600 hit-and-run crashes that caused injuries and fatalities in 2021.
Hit-and-run accidents pose a significant safety threat in California, especially for motorcyclists who face a disproportionate risk of injury or death. These collisions are not only frequent but often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Due to their exposure and lack of protection, motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries compared to passengers in enclosed vehicles. When a driver flees the scene, this vulnerability is amplified, as any delay in receiving medical attention can lead to fatal consequences.
Additionally, when the crash occurs at a high rate of speed, it further increases the likelihood of fatal injuries upon impact.
“The heartbreaking incident that occurred on Monday morning highlights the extreme dangers motorcyclists face on the roads, especially in hit-and-run accidents,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “Without the protection of a vehicle’s frame, motorcyclists like John Nealis are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic injuries when struck by reckless drivers, especially when drivers fail to stop and render care afterward. This can lead to delayed medical care and an increased likelihood of fatal outcomes.”
Legal Options for Families of Victims of Fatal Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Accidents
Families of victims who died in motorcycle hit-and-run accidents may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for their losses, which may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support that the deceased would have otherwise provided
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Pain and suffering
- Any medical bills associated with life-saving care the deceased received before dying
- And more
In California, wrongful death laws allow specific relatives, such as spouses, children, or domestic partners to file these claims within the statutes of limitation time period.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle hit and run accident contact the team of personal injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your options. Call today at (619) 771-3473 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
