Riding Safe, Fighting Back: A Motorcyclist’s Legal Battle After a Devastating Crash
Motorcycle Safety and Justice: Lessons from a Devastating Crash
Motorcycle riders know the road is full of dangers—some unavoidable, some caused by careless drivers, and some made worse by poor road design. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, it’s usually the rider who suffers the most.
Take the case of a motorcyclist riding southbound on Riverford Road in Lakeside, CA on the morning of July 6, 2019. A black Ford Expedition was in front of him, signaling a right turn. Meanwhile, Jon Santich was sitting at a stop sign on North Woodside Avenue, waiting to turn left. When Santich saw the SUV making its turn, he pulled into the intersection—without realizing a motorcycle was right behind the SUV, hidden from his view. The result? A devastating crash that left the motorcyclist with over 40 broken bones and life-changing injuries.
The Legal Battle: Who Was Responsible?
The motorcyclist settled with the pickup truck driver for his insurance policy limit of $100,000 before going to trial. But the case didn’t stop there—he also argued that the County’s intersection itself was unsafe. His claim? That bridge railings and overgrown foliage blocked his view of the pickup truck, and vice versa, making the crash unavoidable.
The County, of course, fought back. They argued that the accident was purely caused by human error—Santich’s failure to look carefully before turning and the motorcyclist’s decision to ride too close behind the SUV, making him invisible to other drivers.
Injuries like this don’t just heal overnight. The motorcyclist suffered spinal injuries, multiple fractures, a painful condition where muscle pressure built dangerously in his right leg, and even acute kidney damage. With over $1.3 million in past medical expenses and another $1.1 million estimated for future care, the financial impact was just as devastating as the physical toll. He also faced a lifetime of lost earnings, totaling nearly $700,000. Before trial, he demanded over $4.1 million in damages. The County, in contrast, offered a mere $7,500.
Lessons for Riders: Protect Yourself on the Road
This case is a stark reminder that no matter how skilled a motorcyclist is, the actions of other drivers—and even the design of our roads—can put riders in life-threatening situations. Here’s what motorcyclists can take away from this:
Ride Defensively: Even if you have the right of way, assume other drivers don’t see you. Always anticipate their next move.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Riding too close to larger vehicles, like SUVs, can make you invisible to others. Give yourself room to react.
Advocate for Safer Roads: If intersections, foliage, or road designs make riding more dangerous, speak up. Government agencies have a duty to maintain safe road conditions.
Know Your Legal Rights: If you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence—or even because of a poorly designed road—you deserve justice. Consulting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Fighting for Injured Riders
At Central Coast Personal Injury Law, we stand with motorcyclists. Too often, riders are blamed for crashes when the real issues are negligent drivers or dangerous road conditions. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to fight alone. We’re here to hold the responsible parties accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
Stay safe, ride smart, and know that if the worst happens, we’ve got your back.