A motorcycle officer was critically injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a driver turned left in front of him, The Daily Breeze report. The officer, a member of the Torrance Police Department was riding his motorcycle west on Redondo Boulevard the morning of September 30, 2010. A Chevrolet Astro van, driven by 49-year-old Magda Villaneuva who was heading east on Redondo, then made a left turn ahead of the motorcyclist to enter Alondra Park near Yukon Avenue. The officer’s motorcycle crashed into the side of the van. He was thrown about 30 feet into the air and landed on the street. The officer was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
My heart goes out to the severely injured police officer in this case. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were two fatalities and 33 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Torrance in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 114 people died and 2,934 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidentsduring the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a): “The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.”
Based on this news report, it appears that the officer may have had right-of-way at the time. California Highway Patrol officials, who are investigating the case, say the officer did have right-of-way with a solid green light and that the van turned in front of him. But Villaneuva and her husband claim that the officer swerved around stopped vehicles, moved into the left-turn lane, and then crossed the intersection, before crashing into her van at a high rate of speed.
Fault and Liability
In this case, the injured officer, who was on-the-job at the time, will be entitled to workers compensation benefits. However, if Villaneuva is determined to have been at fault for failing to yield right-of-way, the injured officer could also file a claim against her for compensation. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.
Injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Seriously injured in a Los Angeles car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Torrance car accident. Call 866-310-5252. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience awarding winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
What are some of the precautions you take as a motorcyclist, especially at busy intersections?