A San Diego-based motorcycle club was fatally hit over the weekend when a driver slammed into their group of riders on Route 98, killing five and injuring six others involved in the fatal car accident, according to the Associated Press.
The motorcyclists were headed eastbound toward the Southern Californian desert when a driver in a gold Honda Civic passed the group on the narrow, two-lane highway, just 80 miles east of San Diego. The maneuver caused another vehicle, a white Dodge Avenger, to veer off the road and then back onto the highway, slamming into the group of motorcyclists as it overcompensated to stay on the road.
Details of the San Diego-based fatal motorcycle accident
The Saddletramps Motorcycle Club, a group of 21 riders, was headed east to celebrate their 10-year club anniversary when they were stunned by the hit-and-run car accident. None of the motorcyclists pursued the gold Honda Civic as they stayed behind to help the group’s injured riders instead.
California Highway Patrol officer, Deann Goudie, was first to arrive on the scene. “I was being dragged in every direction by frantic people saying, ‘Help this person, help that person.’” she said.
While CHP officers are still on the lookout for the hit-and-run gold Honda Civic, they have successfully tracked the white Dodge Avenger. Carlos Ramirez Bobadilla, 36, owner of the Avenger, was arrested five hours after the automobile accident when officers smelled alcohol on his breath, according to Goudie.
Ramirez was one of six motorists injured in the collision. Later, he was admitted to a local San Diego hospital for hand fractures when officers suspected him of DUI driving. As for the details pertaining to Ramirez’s alleged alcohol consumption, it remains unclear as to whether or not it contributed to the collision, according to the Associated Press. No additional details have been released.
Results of the investigation related to the alleged DUI driving will be expected in two weeks.
Social responsibility affects every driver
It’s never been more important to be aware of one’s own social behaviors and how they can affect others, especially on the road. Drunk driving is a social behavior that’s not only illegal in all 50 states, but irresponsible towards others who may be affected, including other drivers on the road. Share the road responsibly—everyone’s life depends on it.
If you’ve been involved in a similar San Diego car accident, get in touch with an experienced accident lawyer today. Our firm specializes in car accidents such as these, and we’ll work hard to file your insurance claims and get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait any longer—contact our experienced San Diego attorneys. Personal injury can be a lifelong battle with countless medical bills, pain and suffering, and even lost wages. Contact us today for a free and private evaluation of your case.
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
Katrina Flippin, 29, was sentenced to 300 days of jail time for vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of motorcyclist Mark Anthony Taylor, 49, of Ramona. Flippin, who is four months pregnant, was taken into custody immediately after she received her sentence in El Cajon Superior Court last Thursday, according to Ramona Sentinel newspaper.
Overseeing her case was Judge Bernard Kamins, who demanded the sheriff’s department not to release Flippin early, even for any potential work furlough project. Flippin will spend a full 300 days in jail for the motorcycle accident she caused which resulted in the tragic vehicular manslaughter of Ramona resident Mark Taylor. Because Flippin is 4 months pregnant, her baby will be delivered while in she remains in state custody.
Details of the Ramona vehicular manslaughter case
The details of the Ramona case are alarming. Flippin operated a rental vehicle which caused the fatal San Diego motorcycle crash with a suspended driver’s license. Charged with vehicular manslaughter in February, Flippin pleaded no contest to the charge on Oct. 26.
Her first ticket for driving without a license was in 2001.
Flippin’s new husband attended the sentencing, as well as her mother and a group of family members. Flippin broke down and showed remorse when she spoke to Carolyn Taylor, widow of the deceased man. Her husband, Mark Taylor, was hit and killed instantly—his wrongful death a shock and devastation to his friends and family.
As the courtroom emptied, Carolyn Taylor spoke to a Sentinel reporting saying “At least she got something. I’m glad he took her [in custody] right now.”
In addition to Flippin’s 300 days in jail, Kamins also placed her on three year’ probation thereafter, and ordered her to complete 20 days of public service after her release from jail. Flippin will also have to pay restitution to the Taylor family. The amount, however, was not established and will be handled during a later court case.
Our San Diego personal injury lawyers questioned whether or not Flippin would be charged with DUI driving, but proceedings of the case revealed the mother-to-be did not operate the vehicle under drug or alcohol use. In addition, Flippin will not have to answer for property damage associated with this case.
Ramona woman shows remorse for vehicular manslaughter of community friend
Mark Taylor was a Ramona community town favorite, and during the trial, a large group of supporters were at his widow’s side.
Carolyn Taylor told Kamins she “went home a widow” after driving to the scene of the fatal motorcycle accident. “My heart is so overwhelmed with sadness, I feel it is going to explode.” she said.
Flippin, distraught with emotion, began to cry. She responded to Mark’s family and friends, “I’m sorry. My life doesn’t mean anything for what I’ve done to you. I pray day and night for your family. I’ve always felt remorse.”
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact our experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers today for a FREE and private consultation.
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
This is the final part of a 10-part series on motorcyclist training based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Motorcycle Skill Test Practice Guide. In today’s installment, our motorcycle accident attorneys will talk about stopping on a curved road. Read the rest of this entry
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
Our 10-part blog series on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Motorcycle Skill Test Practice Guide is nearing its conclusion. For the past several days, our motorcycle accident attorneys have discussed turning. Today’s practice exercise will cover swerving to avoid obstacles. Read the rest of this entry
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
All last week, our motorcycle accident attorney’s blog focused on a series of posts on the Motorcycle Skill Test Practice Guide from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. These past few days we’ve focused on turning the motorcycle. Today’s practice exercises are on making sharp turns from a stop. Read the rest of this entry
About Michael PinesMichael Pines is a former insurance company attorney who specializes in car accident injury. While he was an insurance attorney, he learned from behind the scenes on how insurance companies work and how they decided to pay injured people. Now that he works against insurance companies, Michael's inside knowledge has resulted in significant benefits to his clients injured in car accidents.
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