Motor Officer Seriously Injured in Ontario Crash

This morning a police officer aboard a motorcycle in Ontario was badly injured when he collided with a tractor trailer.  According to KABC News, the officer sustained serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital.  The collision occurred at about 7:15 a.m. while both the motor officer and semi truck were traveling northbound on Archibald Avenue.  Reportedly, the truck driver was making a right-hand turn into an IHOP parking lot when the crash happened.

Right Hand Turn Law

In general, both the approach for a right-hand turn and the right-hand turn itself are to be "made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway", with certain exceptions.  From the aerial photograph of the accident scene on KABC News, it would appear the driver of the tractor trailer began his right-hand turn from the number 3 lane, and not the one designated for right-hand turns.  As can be seen on the Google maps image, there is actually a designated right-hand turn lane for northbound traffic on Archibald.  Depending on the precise circumstances, it would appear the truck driver may have made an unsafe turn.

Accident Reconstruction Issues

With serious injuries having been suffered by the motorcycle officer, there can be little doubt the accident above will be carefully reconstructed in order to determine who was at fault for the collision.  Assuming the police officer was riding his motorcycle at a safe speed in the right-turn lane when the semi truck began its turn from the number 3 lane, it would appear the majority of the fault would rest with the truck driver.  Issues of speed and turn signal usage will also play a role in the ultimate determination of liability for the accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile or motorcycle accident, a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney is perhaps the best way to learn more about your right to compensation for any injuries and damages sustained.

SOURCE:  Officer on motorcycle injured in Ontario semi-truck crash, KABC News, October 8, 2013