Motorcyclist Suffers Fatal Injuries in Idyllwild Crash

Jun 12,2017

A motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries after he crashed on State Route 243 near Idyllwild Thursday morning. Authorities have identified the biker as 53-year-old Frederick Carlson of Hemet. According to the initial investigation, Carlson lost control of his motorcycle along a curve on southbound SR 243 at Marian View Drive. He was then thrown from his 2014 Victory motorcycle into the roadway, sustaining fatal injuries.

The motorcycle accident occurred at 7:40 a.m. A motorist found the victim lying in the roadway and called 911. Firefighters arrived and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Police partially shut down the highway for about two hours while they investigated.

Was Speed a Factor in Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

Police are unsure whether speeding contributed to the crash. While skid marks were found at the scene, officers say they do not have enough information to tell how fast Carlson was traveling.

Losing control along a curve or corner is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. The biker might misjudge how tight the curve is and turn too quickly. It is difficult to correct this mistake once it’s made, which can then cause the motorcyclist to wipe out.

3 Motorcycle Safety Tips for Navigating a Curve

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to avoid an accident on a curved roadway. Follow these 3 tips to safely maneuver curves and corners on a motorcycle:

Travel at a speed slow enough to allow you time to react when a curve is coming up in the road. A good rule of thumb is to approach the curve slowly, then head out of it at a faster speed—once you have taken the curve safely and are sure there are no upcoming hazards.
Take road signs seriously. Most roadways with upcoming curves or tight corners will indicate it with a sign. Paying attention to these signs can help you prepare for upcoming changes in your ride.
Watch for debris along the curve. Spots with debris buildup can be slick and cause you to lose control. Do your best to avoid areas littered with gravel and other loose materials.

“Navigating a curve can be challenging on a motorcycle. Remember to take it slow and wait to speed up until you have a clear view of the road ahead,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.