California Injury Blog
Enrique Alvarado-Cervantes, 26, died in a motorcycle accident in Azusa after a pickup truck rear-ended him on the 210 Freeway just west of Vernon Avenue. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Alvarado-Cervantes was riding a 2000 Suzuki GSX-R in the fast lane when traffic ahead came to a sudden stop. A 71-year-old man was driving directly behind the motorcycle in a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
The Dodge slammed into the motorcycle and a Ford pickup truck that was ahead ejecting the motorcyclist onto the roadway. The force of the collision pushed the Ford into a Lexus that was ahead as well. Alvarado-Cervantes was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Dodge pickup suffered injuries including a broken wrist. The Ford’s driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and the driver of the Lexus escaped injury. No arrests or citations were reported pending an official investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members and friends of Enrique Alvarado-Cervantes for their tragic loss. We also wish those injured the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
There were no fatalities, but 11 injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in the city of Azusa, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 105 people died and 3,509 were injured as a result of motorcycle collisions during the same year.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the chain-reaction collision was triggered by the driver of the Dodge pickup truck, who was unable to stop his vehicle in time. We trust officials are looking into why that was the case. There are a number of unanswered questions here. Was the driver distracted at the time of the collision? Was he driving at an excessive rate of speed, which made it difficult for him stop in time? Did inattention cause him to miss the change in traffic conditions? Did alcohol or drugs play a part? Was drowsy driving a factor? These are some of the questions that must be answered in order to determine if driver negligence caused or contributed to this fatal motorcycle accident.
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.