California Injury Blog
James Hogg, 37, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Anaheim after officials said he lost control and crashed. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash occurred along the westbound 91 Freeway at Tustin Avenue the morning of July 1, 2016. California Highway Patrol officials said Hogg appears to have veered right just before the Tustin overpass, hitting the curb and losing control before the bike ran up and embankment and both slammed into the overpass.
Based on preliminary investigations, officials do not believe any other vehicles played a role in this incident. Passing motorists reported the downed motorcycle around 7:30 a.m., but Orange County Coroner’s investigators place the time of Hogg’s death around 1 a.m. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact CHP at 949-559-7888.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of James Hogg for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four deaths and 152 injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, 30 people died and 989 were injured due to motorcycle crashes during the same year.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
Based on this news report, so far, there have been no witnesses to this early morning crash. There are still a number of unanswered questions here. What caused this fatal motorcycle crash? Why did the rider lose control of the motorcycle? Was another vehicle involved in a non-contact hit-and-run? Did a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway cause or contribute to the incident? Was there debris on the roadway that played a role? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction, which caused the rider to lose control? We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what caused this crash.
Protecting Your Rights
In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.