A 26-year-old man suffered severe injuries in an Orange County motorcycle accident after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. According to The Orange County Register, the solo motorcycle crash occurred early morning on May 17, 2012 near the Chapman Avenue off-ramp on the southbound 55 Freeway in Orange. California Highway Patrol officials received reports of the downed motorcyclist near traffic lanes. A Good Samaritan stopped to direct traffic around the motorcyclist. Officials say the man who was riding a 2004 Suzuki was transported to an area trauma center with major injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the injured victim of this Orange County accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Orange County Motorcycle Accidents
According to CHP’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 35 injuries reported due to motorcycle accidents in Orange. In Orange County as a whole, motorcycle accidents caused 17 fatalities and injured 735 people, during the same year.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on the news account, it is unclear as to how or why this motorcycle crash occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle, which caused or contributed to the accident? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway where this incident occurred? Was another vehicle involved? For example, did the motorcyclist get clipped or cut off by another vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Liability Issues
If a defective product caused this accident, then, the manufacturer of the faulty product or the motorcycle could be held liable. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. It would be a good idea for victims to preserve the vehicle so that an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and other evidence. Motorcycle accident victims 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. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.