When similar motorcycle accidents happen in a single location within days of one another, it raises questions for many California residents. Could human error have caused both accidents? Is the intersection itself responsible for these tragic motorcycle accidents?
These are just two questions raised after separate motorcycle accidents claimed two lives near the Gilroy Premium Outlets in the span of five days. In the most recent incident, which occurred in the evening hours of Apr. 19, a 62-year-old male motorcyclist from Los Baños struck a motor vehicle operated by a teenager.
The first accident that occurred on April 15 took the life of a 53-year-old man from Gilroy. Reportedly, this accident happened when the driver of the car struck the motorcycle.
In the second accident, according to the California Highway Patrol, the teen driver accelerated into the motorcycle’s path after stopping at a stop sign at the intersection of Leavesley and Holsclaw roads. Unlike the first accident at this intersection, it was the motorcyclist who struck the car’s left-front fender. First-responders attempted to the save the victim’s life at the scene, but he died as a result of his injuries. Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be a factor in the accident.
Hopefully, investigators will be able to uncover any potential problems with the intersection. Current information points to human error as the cause of both motorcycle accidents. While the loss of a beloved family member is completely devastating, the victims’ families can find at least some solace in the law. The first step for these victims and others like them is consulting with a personal injury lawyer.
Source: The Mercury News, “Motorcyclist killed near Gilroy outlets; second fatal crash at intersection in five days,” Mark Gomez, April 20, 2017
