$3,900,000 Settlement – City Intersection Roundabout Without Warning Signs Causes Death Of Motorcyclist
A 36-year-old married father of five minor children died when his motorcycle struck a raised roundabout in the middle of a Manteca intersection on November 3, 2016. Woodward Avenue had been closed for construction improvements to the road. The roundabout at the intersection of Woodward and Al Fonesca was not completed and no warning signs or speed reduction advisory signs had been installed. Due to miscommunications between the contractors, sign installers and the City Engineer, the road was opened on Friday before speed reduction signs and warning signs were installed. On Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., decedent was riding with his brother and a third cyclist when their motorcycles collided with the raised roundabout causing the motorcycles to crash and resulting in the fatality.
The decedent worked as a pipe fitter and was supporting his wife and five children in a happy marriage. The case settled after lengthy mediation sessions prior to trial. The defendants alleged the accident was caused by excessive speed. The Manteca Police investigating officer concluded the speed of the motorcyclist was about 70 mph. This was refuted by the Plaintiffs’ attorney and his expert.