John Dressler, 27, was killed in a car accident in Irvine after a car struck his motorcycle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on southbound 5 Freeway north of Lake Forest Drive the night of August 1, 2012. Officials say the two vehicles collided in the number one lane. Dressler was ejected and his motorcycle caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. It is unclear how the collision occurred or if the driver will be cited or charged in connection with this fatal crash. An investigation is ongoing.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of John Dressler for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Orange County Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 38 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents in Irvine. During that same year, 17 fatalities and 735 were reported as a result of motorcycle crashes countywide.
What Caused This Tragic Collision?
Based on this news report, the car and the motorcycle collided in the southbound lanes of traffic. What caused the two cars to collide? Did the car’s driver make an unsafe lane change? Did the motorist fail to notice the motorcyclist on the roadway? Was either motorist speeding or behaving recklessly? What caused the motorcycle to catch fire? Was the motorcyclist rear-ended by the other vehicle? Did alcohol, speed, distracted driving or some other form of negligence play a part in this crash? I trust investigators are searching for the answers to these questions and more.
Liability Issues
If the motorist in this case is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for Dressler’s wrongful death. Victims’ families can file a wrongful death claim in such cases seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship. Families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Irvine personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.