Best known for the movies “Mannequin” and “Mr. Nanny,” Michael Gottlieb has written several comedies throughout his career. The Director-Writer wore many hats; directing movies, producing video games and teaching screenwriting courses at a Californian Art Center and Design College. Loved and respected by many, his fans and family now mourn his death after he was killed in one of California’s tragic motorcycle accidents.
Investigators claim that Gottlieb was traveling on his motorcycle when he approached another vehicle. With intentions to pass the vehicle the motorcyclist crossed the center line, into opposing traffic. Simultaneously, the driver in a pickup initiated a left-hand turn, at which point they collided. The 69-year-old celebrity was seriously injured after he was thrown from his motorcycle.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene of the accident and rushed to aid the two drivers. The truck driver — a 24-year-old man — was not injured in the accident. However, Gottlieb suffered severe head trauma and his neck was broken. Though paramedics tried to revive him, he succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene of the crash.
It is an unfortunate outcome, one that many California drivers can relate to, either having lost a loved one or suffered injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident. While the source does not suggest that any charges have been filed in connection with the accident, the surviving family may elect to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. Pending evidence, if negligent or reckless driving on the part of the other motorist was a variable in the accident, the family in this case, and other individuals who have been effected by motorcycle accidents, may be awarded damages to assist with expenses incurred as a result of the crash.
Source: laist.com, “‘Mannequin’ Writer-Director Dies In Motorcycle Crash“, Jean Trinh, May 27, 2014