A motorcyclist was injured in a Santa Ana car crash that involved six other vehicles, The Orange County Register reports. California Highway Patrol officials say that the incident occurred early morning on May 10, 2013 on the 55 Freeway north of the Dyer Road off-ramp. As cars in the left lane were hit in a rear-end collision, other drivers changed into the middle and carpool lanes to avoid the crash.
A vehicle turning into the carpool lane struck a motorcyclist who was on a Yamaha sports bike. The rider was knocked off the bike and ended up pinned under the silver Toyota Tacoma. Passers by were able to lift the truck off the motorcyclist. The man was injured, but is expected to survive. An investigation is ongoing.
Motorcycle Crashes
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 49 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents in Santa Ana. In Orange County as a whole, 19 fatalities and 750 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle crashes during the same year.
Possible Unsafe Lane Change
Based on this news report, it appears that the crash was spurred by a rear-end accident. One of the vehicles turned into the carpool lane and did not see the motorcyclist approaching. California Vehicle Code section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle “shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.”
Liability Issues
In such cases, the at-fault or negligent driver can be held liable for injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation 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.