Duy Nguyen, 24, of Santa Ana was killed in a Laguna Beach car accident after his car went out of control, crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and struck another vehicle. According to a news report in Corona del Mar Today, the fatal car accident occurred the night of May 30, 2012 at Coast Highway and State Park/El Morro School. The accident’s location was just outside of Newport Beach city limits. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to an area trauma center. The extent of the victim’s injuries is not known at this time. Nguyen died at the scene of the crash. California Highway Patrol officials are looking into what caused this fatal crash.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family members and many friends of Duy Nguyen, who will mourn this tragic loss. We also wish the injured victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 125 were injured as a result of Laguna Beach car accidents. During the same year, 141 people were killed and 13,373 were injured as a result of Orange County car accidents.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news account, it is unclear as to what caused Nguyen to lose control of his car and crash into the oncoming vehicle. California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a) states: “Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.”
There are still several unanswered questions here. Was Nguyen under the influence at the time? Was there some type of auto defect or mechanical malfunction in his vehicle? Was he speeding or driving recklessly at the time? Were any other vehicles involved in this incident? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Liability Issues
If Nguyen is determined to have been at fault, then, the injured victim can seek compensation from the decedent’s liability insurance and estate. If an auto defect caused the incident, the automaker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses as well. Victims or their families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.