Accidents Reported in Southern California

Oceanside Man Dies in San Diego after Being Struck by an SUV

A fatal San Diego motorcycle accident took the life of rider Paul Palika, of Oceanside, on Monday, March 21, 2011, after he collided with a Lexus sport utility vehicle.

Interstate 805, just north of Balboa Avenue, was rain-soaked at the time of the accident, and the driver of the SUV was traveling too fast for the weather conditions, according to the California State Highway Patrol. The driver of the SUV struck the motorcyclist after first striking a semi-truck and passing across several lanes of traffic.

The rider was thrown 75 feet from his bike and died at the scene.

The sergeant on the scene does not believe that the driver of the Lexus will face criminal charges. The driver was not hurt in the accident that caused Interstate 805 to close for over two and a half hours while the scene was being investigated and cleared.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Paul Palika after this tragic and preventable accident, and we urge all drivers to drive wisely in adverse weather conditions. Taking your time, obeying the rules of the road, and paying attention to your environment could save a life.

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