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Motorcyclist loses case against the State of California for negligent road design

Accident Type: 
Motorcycle Accident
Incident Date: 
Wednesday, June 14, 1978
Result Date: 
Monday, May 23, 1983
Monetary Result: 
$0
  This accident happened on June 14, 1978, at 4:10 p.m., in clear weather, on SR 36, at the Mill Creek Bridge in Tehama County. Daniel Blake, a 22-year-old assistant manager at a pizza parlor, was driving over the bridge when he ran into the re-acclimate seal on the roadway. He claimed that it was after the motorcycle ran over the seal that he lost control of his motorcycle. An oncoming vehicle struck Blake's leg and the rear half of his motorcycle. He suffered serious injuries that resulted in the loss of his right leg above the knee, as well as fractures and lacerations. He was in the hospital for three and a­ half months. Blake decided to sue the State of California for negligent road construction. He argued that there was not proper signage designating the appropriate speed crossing the bridge, and therefore he was driving too fast when he hit the seal on the pavement. The state contended that Blake was negligent in operating his motorcycle at a high rate of speed, and that his excessive speed caused the crash and his injuries. In the end, the state won its case, and Blake did not receive any award for his injuries.

Highway crashes happen all too often throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County

Getting on the freeway system is a gamble every time. Every driver relies on other drivers to make good decisions, remain focused on driving, and follow the law at all times. If not, the consequences can be critically dangerous due to so many vehicles traveling at high speed. One moment of carelessness can lead to many catastrophic injuries, and even death. As I-5 travels through Bellingham, Whatcom and Skagit Counties, high speed collisions are not  uncommon. Have you been involved in a car crash on the highway? You may be wondering what to do next.

If someone is speeding and hits you, it is almost guaranteed they are at fault

Speed limits are not just recommendations, but established rules that all drivers are expected to follow while operating their vehicles on US roads. Many factors are considered by the engineers who set the limits, such as the road’s characteristics; how wide the shoulder might be, if there is one at all; road grade; and the length of a driver’s line of sight. The limits are set very carefully after an assessment of all these factors, and are meant to keep everyone safe while maintaining a healthy flow of traffic as much as possible. Speeding is against the law. However, some drivers speed, and if you are hit by a speeder, you might be facing a long, arduous recovery. If you're wondering if help is available, click the link to learn more.

Speeding doesn't get you there faster

It's just not worth the risk to speed. Stop lights, other vehicles, time lost accelerating and slowing down - all of these factors keep you from getting to your destination significantly faster. Not to mention that the risk of a ticket makes it worth following the law. Here is an article about the science of how speeding doesn't do much to get you there faster, and strategies to make your errand running more efficient.

Have you been involved in an accident on the highway?

Getting on the freeway system is a gamble every time. Every driver relies on other drivers to make good decisions, remain focused on driving, and follow the law at all times. If not, the consequences can be critically dangerous due to so many vehicles traveling at high speed. One moment of carelessness can lead to many catastrophic injuries, and even death.

Have you been involved in a car crash on the highway? Click here to learn more.

Accidents with speeding drivers can have deadly consequences

Speed limits are not just recommendations, but established rules that all drivers are expected to follow while operating their vehicles on public roads. Many factors are considered by the engineers who set the limits, such as the road’s characteristics; how wide the shoulder might be, if there is one at all; road grade; and the length of a driver’s line of sight. The limits are set very carefully after an assessment of all these factors, and are meant to keep everyone safe and maintain a healthy flow of traffic as much as possible. However, some drivers speed, and a moment of carelessness can have devastating consequences. If you have been in an accident with a speeding driver, you have options. Click to learn more.

You have options if a speeder hit you

Speed limits are not just recommendations, but established rules that all drivers are expected to follow while operating their vehicles on public roads. Many factors are considered by the engineers who set the limits, such as the road’s characteristics; how wide the shoulder might be, if there is one at all; road grade; and the length of a driver’s line of sight. The limits are set very carefully after an assessment of all these factors, and are meant to keep everyone safe and maintain a healthy flow of traffic as much as possible. However, some drivers speed, and statistics reflect this, and this increases the liklihood and severity of a crash. If you have been hit by a speeding driver, you have options.