On Sunday May 8, 2022, a motorcyclist was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Alvernon and Grant in Tucson, Arizona. He did not lose his life at the scene of the accident but he later died from the injuries 6 days later. This poor man was identified as Josef Carosbarone. Mr. Carisbarone was headed north on Alvernon Way and the other driver turned left in front of him at the intersection with Grant Road. The accident could have been avoided if the other driver would have not turned left in front of the oncoming traffic that included the motorcycle. Many motorcyclists lose their lives in the same manner as other vehicles turn left in front of them and they just don’t have enough time to stop their motorcycle and avoid the collision with the other vehicle.
Investigation by TPD
The Tucson Police Department investigated the tragic accident. The TPD did not cite the other driver but there is an ongoing investigation. Other drivers have been cited with a crime after causing the death, or serious injury, of a motorcycle driver. In fact, Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-672 states that causing serious physical injury or death by a moving violation is punishable by suspending the driver’s license for at least 90 days and not more than 180 days if the violation results in serious physical injury; and, at least 180 days and not more than 12 months year if the violation results in the death of the other motorist. An attorney can represent you in civil court as a plaintiff and in criminal court as a victim claiming victim restitution.
We offer our most sincere condolences to the family of this accident victim.
Arizona Law on Illegal Left Turns
Arizona law does not allow a motorist to make a left turn at an intersection if there is another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The law does not allow a left turn when the other vehicle is so close to the intersection better makes it dangerous for motorists and their passengers. Clearly, Arizona law wants drivers to avoid situations where a collision can occur. The law can be found under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 28-772.
Passenger Vehicle vs. Motorcycle at Intersection
In the context of a motorcycle versus a passenger vehicle at an intersection, the driver of the vehicle does not give the motorcycle driver enough time to react and avoid the collision. In fact, the motorcycle driver has a fraction of a second to move out of the way or stop the motorcycle. These type of collisions into the deaths of many motorcycle drivers in Arizona. When in doubt, simply yield to the other motorists while turning left at an intersection. It can avoid serious injury or even the death of another motorist.