California Injury Blog
A Long Beach police officer was injured in an Orange County car accident after a Toyota Corolla crossed double yellow lines and hit him. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the motorcycle accident occurred on the westbound 91 Freeway near Magnolia Avenue in Buena Park, the morning of December 15, 2011. Officials say the police officer was riding between the fast and the carpool lanes when the Corolla changed lanes to exit the carpool lane, crossed over double yellow lines and struck him. The motorcyclist suffered injuries to his right arm and was transported to a nearby hospital. It is not clear if the car’s driver will be cited for making an unsafe lane change and crossing double yellow lines.
I wish the injured police officer the very best for a complete and quick recovery from his injuries. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Orange County Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but 20 injuries reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in Buena Park. During that same year, there were 17 fatalities and 735 injuries reported as a result of Orange County motorcycle accidents.
Laws and Liability Issues
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.” Based on this report, the driver of the Corolla may have made an unsafe lane change and struck the motorcycle officer.
If the driver of the Corolla is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the officer’s injuries and damages. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will definitely be able to better advise car accident victims about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.