California Injury Blog
Mark Alonso, 51, was fatally injured in a Long Beach car accident after a 2003 Chevy S-10 pickup truck hit his Piaggio Scooter. According to a news report in The Belmont Shore Patch, the fatal scooter accident occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway near the Los Alamitos Traffic Circle, the night of March 31, 2012. Official say the 25-year-old driver of the pickup lost control, crossed the center median and struck the scooter. Alonso was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The driver of the pickup was detained and questioned following the crash. Investigators are searching for additional information from anyone who may have witnessed the collision. The investigation is ongoing.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Mark Alonso following this tragic car accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Los Angeles Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 28 people were killed and 1,629 were injured in Long Beach car accidents. During that same year, there were 54 fatalities and 50,817 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.
What Caused This Fatal Collision?
Based on this news account, it is not entirely clear what caused the driver to enter into oncoming traffic lanes and strike the victim’s scooter. The report states that excessive speed and wet roadways have not been ruled out as possible factors in the crash. According to California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law): “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 on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
Liability Issues
I trust officials are looking into whether speed, alcohol, inattention, distracted driving or some other form of negligence caused or contributed to the incident. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. In this particular case, if the driver of the pickup truck is determined to have been at fault, he could be held liable for Alonso’s wrongful death in addition to facing potential criminal charges. An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will better advise victims’ families about their legal rights and options.