One Fatal Motorcycle Crash Leaves a Second Rider Injured

Yet another young life of a motorcyclist was claimed on California’s roadways in late October of 2015, while another was left injured after the crash. Anthony Terrones from Lompoc, California was riding his 2003 Honda motorcycle southbound from Highway 1 to US 101 on October 30th when he collided with a 2015 Chevrolet Impala, and was ejected from his motorcycle.

Immediately after the accident, another young motorcyclist, Jaime Jimenez approached the scene, allegedly at a high rate of speed. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Jimenez then collided with the Mr Torrones. He lost control and spilled onto the highway, sliding into a median which separated the two highways.

Jimenez suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Is Lane Splitting to Blame?

Lane splitting is the practice of allowing bicyclists and motorcyclists to travel between vehicles on roadways to improve the flow of traffic and to increase a rider’s safety. The University of California at Berkeley published a report in the spring of 2015 which concluded that: 

  • Motorcyclists who practiced lane splitting are “significantly less likely” to be rear ended by other motorists 
  • Motorcyclists are less likely to suffer injuries to their head or torso 
  • Motorcyclists are less likely to sustain fatal injuries in a crash

The state of California allows for lane splitting as long as it is done safely and prudently. However, drivers of other vehicles may not agree with the practice and do purposely attempt to block or impede a motorcyclist or bicyclist.

While speed may have played a role in the accident above, it is not yet clear if lane splitting had anything to do with the initial crash or the one which followed.

Understand the Laws Before You Ride

California is the only state in the United States which permits lane splitting. Despite this, many operators of vehicles continue to try and enforce their own beliefs on what is and is not acceptable on the road, and dangerously attempt to block a rider’s attempt to share their lane. This can lead to unfortunate, and sometimes dire, situations on the road.

Motorcyclists and operators of vehicles should not feel threatened when on the road, which is why the Cifarelli law firm has held numerous negligent riders and drivers accountable for their unwise decisions and dangerous actions.

If you have been involved in an accident as either a motorcyclist or a driver of another vehicle, you may be entitled to further compensation than what an insurance company is willing to offer. 

We invite you to call us at the Cifarelli law firm today at (949) 502-8600 to discuss your personal injury case.

Request a Free Consultation

Quick Contact (Two Column)

  • * All required fields.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Office Information

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top