A 50-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in an Orange County car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle on the Ortega Highway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred the evening of March 30, 2010 on the highway, close to the Interstate 5. California Highway Patrol officials say a Hyundai and the motorcycle were involved in the crash. However, it is not clear whether the driver was injured. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of this deceased victim, who has only been identified as a Redondo Beach resident. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.
Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were 35 fatalities and 801 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Orange County. Also, countywide, 152 fatalities and 13,414 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.
What Caused This Accident
This news report has very little information about how or why this car versus motorcycle collision occurred. There are more questions than answers at this point. Whose fault was the accident? Was the driver of the Hyundai impaired, distracted, speeding or driving recklessly? Was the motorcycle at fault for speeding or driving recklessly? Were any auto product defects involved? Was this accident caused by a dangerous or defective roadway condition? I trust officials are examining these and other issues in order to determine how and why this deadly crash occurred.
Liability Issues
If the driver of the Hyundai caused this crash, then he or she could be held liable for the accident. If this accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will examine all aspects of the accident and hold the negligent parties accountable. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and related damages.
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.