David Rorex, 34, was killed in a Santa Ana motorcycle accident after an SUV struck him while pulling out of a driveway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred the morning of August 18, 2017 in the 4800 block of West First Street. The SUV was pulling out of a residential driveway. The motorcycle was heading west on First Street when it broadsided the SUV as it was coming out of the driveway. Rorex was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved. No citations or arrests were reported. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of David Rorex for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 22 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents in the city of Fountain Valley. In Orange County as a whole, 30 fatalities and 989 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during that same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Under California law, drivers pulling out of public or private driveways must yield right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21804 (a): “The driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic.” Vehicles entering traffic “shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that traffic until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety.”
In this particular case, if the driver is determined to have been at fault, he or she could be held liable for the motorcyclist’s wrongful death. In cases where negligence is determined to have been a factor, the family of a deceased auto accident victim can seek compensation for damages by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Families could seek damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.
Victims’ families would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will be able to analyze all aspects of the incident and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.