Donald Murphy, 49, died as a result of injuries he sustained in a Newport Beach car accident, when he was struck by a driver while riding his bike on northbound Jamboree Road near Ford Road. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, 37-year-old Patricia Ann Izquieta made an “unsafe turning maneuver” before hitting Murphy the morning of December 9, 2009. She then fled the scene of the accident. However, Newport Beach police located Izquieta minutes after the collision and arrested her on suspicion of hit-and-run.
Orange County Bicycle Accident
Murphy was apparently riding with his cycling partners at the time of the bicycle accident. The impact from the crash threw him into a gutter near the intersection. Casey Jennings, who was driving by immediately after the bicycle accident, saw Murphy and stopped to help. Jennings helped Murphy’s cycling partners perform CPR. According to Murphy’s friends and police, Izquieta dragged the bicycle under her SUV with sparks flying and left a “300-yard pattern of debris.”
My heart goes out to Donald Murphy, the victim of this fatal bicycle accident. This must, truly, be a tragic event for all those who knew and loved this man. I offer my deepest condolences to them for their huge loss.
Hit-and-Run Driver Must be Held Accountable
As for the suspected hit-and-run driver, Patricia Ann Izquieta, I find it appalling that she tried to run away from the scene knowing that she hurt someone badly. I hope she faces the consequences of her actions. I commend Casey Jennings for stepping up and doing the right thing to help this injured bicyclist.
Murphy’s family would be well-advised to get an experienced Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyer on their side right away. If the news report is accurate, this was a woman who was driving recklessly. If Izquieta was on-the-job or running an errand at the time of this accident, her employer or the person she was running an errand for, could also be held liable for Murphy’s wrongful death.
If a dangerous roadway is suspected to have caused or contributed to this accident, the city could be held responsible as well. In such cases, the family of the deceased victim may file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship and related damages. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. If you witnessed this accident or can offer information to police, please contact Newport Beach Police Detective Bill Beverly at 949-644-3747.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.