The year-round mild climate paired with the increased propensity for traffic in California makes it common for motorcyclists to travel the state’s roadways. However, traveling on a motorcycle can present many dangers due to its size and its inability to stand up against other vehicles that share the same roads.
A motorcycle crash can result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Unfortunately, this was the case for a California woman who recently became a motorcycle accident victim while traveling on a freeway in Santa Ana.
According to reports, the motorcyclist was traveling at a high speed shortly before midnight, when she attempted to pass a van driving in front of her. Unfortunately, the driver of the van did not see her and also pulled over into the passing lane at the same time.
The motorcyclist began to swerve and was unable to safely bring her vehicle to a stop. While in the path of oncoming traffic, she fell off of her motorcycle and was struck by several vehicles. Tragically, the woman suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash.
In this case, it has not been revealed whether either of the drivers was considered the negligent party in the occurrence of the accident. However, when one party is determined to be negligent in the occurrence of an accident and another involved party is injured or killed, the negligent party can be held responsible for their actions through a personal injury lawsuit. The injured party, or their family in the case of fatal injuries, may be able to recover monetary compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and potentially pain and suffering.
It is always important for drivers to keep an eye out for motorcyclists and yield appropriately to their existence on shared roadways. Doing so can prevent tragedies such as this from happening in the future.
Source: NBC Los Angeles, “Woman, 27, Killed in Motorcycle Crash on 55 Freeway in Santa Ana,” Brandon Lowrey, April 29, 2013