A motorcyclist was killed by a cable hanging low on the street on April 11, 2017. An investigation discovered that the cable was left hanging following a vehicular accident in San Bernardino. The motorcyclist, Fabian Zepeda, 27, was decapitated.
The Start of the Accident
According to a police report, the series of events that led to the fatal accident began with a Ford Taurus that was traveling south on Adams Street. The man driving the Taurus lost control of his car. It hit a mailbox and then headed across a residential yard.
The car continued on down Adams Street and then careened into a utility pole. The impact knocked down the pole, and it sent the wires hanging across the street. Zepeda was also traveling south down Adams Street when he drove into the path of a wire a few minutes after the first accident. He was decapitated upon hitting the wire and was knocked off the motorcycle which still drove by itself until it crashed at Highland Avenue.
Local authorities are still continuing their investigation, and they are still investigating just how the first driver lost control of the Taurus. After a review of the case by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office, criminal charges may be forthcoming. Zepeda was survived by his wife, who is pregnant.
Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego
Though the decapitation is certainly uncommon, motorcycle accidents aren’t rare in San Diego. In 2013, such mishaps resulted in 525 people injured and 32 deaths. In San Bernardino alone, motorcycle accidents accounted for 61 injuries and 4 fatalities in 2013. Experts are unanimous in saying that riding on a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving a car. People on a motorbike are 35 times more likely to get killed than in a car, and 50 times more likely to be injured. If you are ever involved in a crash like this feel free to reach out to a San Diego motorcycle accident attorney today.
Potential Charges and Liabilities
The district attorney’s office may file a case against the original driver of the Ford Taurus if the circumstances warrant such an action. The investigation is trying to discover if that driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. At Personal Injury Lawyers San Diego we can tell what a case is worth and what the damages are going to be.
If that was the case, that driver may also be held financially responsible for the losses and damages that happened to Zepeda and his pregnant wife. A civil suit may be brought so that the wife can get just compensation for hospital and funeral expenses, lost income, and “pain and suffering”.
If you or a loved one gets into a road accident while riding a motorcycle, you may want to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Just because a motorcycle is considered a “more dangerous” vehicle doesn’t mean that it’s always your fault if you ride one and get into an accident. You have legal options and rights that can help you with the financial consequences of such accidents.