California Injury Lawyer Blog

The Imperial Valley Press reported a 43-year-old El Centro man, Adan Elizondo Jr., was tragically killed early Wednesday morning in an accident on Highway 86. The October 13th crash was reported at 5:07 a.m., according to Imperial Police. Elizondo was reportedly heading northbound on his motorcycle on Highway 86, when, a compact car driven by Zacarias Rubal pulled into the path of his vehicle at Neckel Road. Elizondo was taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center, where he died about an hour after the accident. Rubal suffered a laceration to his scalp. According to the IV Press, Elizondo was a 16-year employee of Calipatria State Prison, where he worked as a correctional officer. Rubal is a lieutenant at Centinela State Prison.

Cause of the Highway 86 Accident

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Investigators are looking at skid marks and other evidence to determine the speeds of the two vehicles at the time of the collision. Police did not state who was at fault, but did say that traffic on Highway 86 has the right-of-way. It appears that the driver of the compact car may have been responsible for the crash, by pulling into the path of Elizondo's northbound motorcycle.

Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Liability

Motorcycle riders are tragically frequent victims of highway accidents. Despite the fact that motorcyclists are harder to see, drivers still have the responsibility to look for them and yield to their right-of-way. If the driver of the compact vehicle is responsible for the accident, he may be liable for causing the crash and the resulting death of Elizondo. In situations such as this El Centro motorcycle accident, while authorities are investigating, the family members of the victim would likely benefit from speaking to a knowledgeable California motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help the victim's family understand and protect their legal rights following this devastating accident, and advise them of their best course of action to pursue compensation in a wrongful death claim for final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, anticipated future earnings and benefits of the victim, and loss of love, care, and companionship.