California Injury Blog
Monica Castorena, 29, was killed in a Mission Viejo motorcycle accident early morning on July 25, 2015.
According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal crash between a Toyota Prius and a Kawasaki motorcycle occurred at the intersection of Alicia Parkway and Olympia Road.
Police say the motorcyclist was pronounced dead and the driver of the Toyota Prius was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
No details were available regarding the circumstances of the crash. Police are still investigating the cause of the collision.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Monica Castorena for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2012 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one fatality and 23 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in the city of Mission Viejo.
In Orange County as a whole, 23 people died and 934 were injured due to motorcycle crashes during the same year.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the collision occurred at a street intersection in Mission Viejo. However, there are still a number of unanswered questions here.
Were alcohol or drugs involved in this incident? Did the motorist fail to yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist? Who was at fault here? Did early morning fog in the area play a part in this fatal collision? Did speed, driver distraction or any other form of negligence cause this crash?
We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Fault & Liability
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased motorcycle accident victims can file what is known as 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.
A knowledgeable Orange County personal injury lawyer can also help determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident.
If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable.
Any such claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident, under California law.