Dellene Burgeson, 51, was killed and a man is in critical condition following an Orange County car accident involving a head-on collision. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car crash occurred on West Ball Road at Magnolia Avenue in Anaheim, the night of August 5, 2011. Police say Burgeson was driving west on Ball at a high rate of speed, when her Lincoln vehicle crossed the divider and entered oncoming traffic, before hitting a Mazda. The Mazda’s driver sustained major injuries. Burgeson died at the scene. The Lincoln also struck three other moving vehicles and two parked vehicles. Two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Dellene Burgeson who was killed in this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are also with the man and his passengers who were injured in the collision. Initial reports stated that the passengers were the man’s children. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 23 people were killed and 1,970 were injured in
Anaheim car accidents. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred as a result of Orange County car accidents.
What Caused This Fatal Collision?
It appears from the report that speed may have played a part in this crash. Officials say Burgeson was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control of her vehicle. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
However, it is not clear what caused Burgeson to lose control of the vehicle. Was she driving recklessly? Did she suffer a medical condition? Was she under the influence? Was she distracted or inattentive? Was there an auto defect or mechanical malfunction in the Lincoln that caused her to lose control?
Liability Issues
If Burgeson is determined to have been at fault, the critically injured victim can file a claim against her estate and liability insurance seeking compensation for his injuries and damages. If an auto defect caused this crash, then, Burgeson’s family can seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective auto. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims or their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.
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