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Just before 2 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024, 30-year-old Karl Trayvilla was riding his motorcycle northbound on South Coast Highway when he struck another northbound motorcycle. This collision caused Trayvilla to fall off his bike and onto the road where he was hit by a southbound car. Oceanside police said paramedics took him to Tri-City Medical Center. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Dangers and Impacts of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are highly common on California roadways and nationally fatal accident rates have been increasing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022 motorcyclists killed made up 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
What typically causes motorcycle accidents to occur?
- Distracted driving – if either the motorcyclists or drivers in cars are distracted by their phones, in-car technology, or other things, they may fail to see their surroundings and cause a collision
- Speeding – if either the motorcyclist or driver is speeding they greatly reduce their reaction time to potential sudden changes on the road and increase the chance of a severe accident
- Driving under the influence – if either the motorcyclist or driver drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgment may be significantly impaired and their reaction times may be reduced, which can increase the likelihood of being involved in a serious accident
- Road hazards – uneven pavement, potholes, debris on the road, and more pose a serious risk for motorcycles and can cause them to lose control
- And more
Who can be held liable for causing motorcycle accidents? There can be several potentially liable parties when a motorcycle accident occurs. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Other drivers – if they were acting negligently and thus caused the accident
- Motorcyclist – if they were acting recklessly or negligently and their actions caused the accident
- Government entities – if the accident occurred due to dangerous road conditions, a government entity may be held responsible
- Vehicle or motorcycle manufacturers – if a defect in either vehicle caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable
“Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “The death of Karl Trayvilla is heartbreaking and we send our sincerest condolences to his family. Surviving family members who lose loved ones in motorcycle accidents should know they may have legal options.”
Legal Options For Family Members
Family members who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident may have legal recourse, depending on the circumstances of the accident, and may choose to file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for things such as funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and more,
If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact the Singleton Schreiber office today to get started. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options.
