California Injury Blog
A motorcycle officer was injured in an Anaheim car accident after he was struck by a car that was making a left turn at an intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue the afternoon of July 7, 2011. Officials say the police officer’s motorcycle was northbound on Harbor when it was hit by a 2004 Chevrolet Impala that was turning left from Harbor onto Lincoln. The officer was hospitalized with injuries, but he is expected to survive. Police investigators are looking into which vehicle had the right-of-way at the time.
I’m relieved to note that the police officer’s injuries are not life-threatening. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 121 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Anaheim. In Orange County as a whole, motorcycle accidents claimed 35 lives and injured 801 people, during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, officials are still looking into which one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way. The driver of the Impala was apparently making a left turn at the busy intersection when the crash occurred. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.”
Victim’s Claim for Compensation
If the driver of the Impala is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the injuries caused to the officer. Since the officer was on the job, he will be able to receive workers compensation benefits from his employer. In addition, he can also file a personal injury claim against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, and physical therapy. An experienced Anaheim car accident lawyer will be able to better advise car accident victims about their legal rights and options.
Seriously injured in an Orange County motorcycle accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after an Anaheim car accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Anaheim personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.