Motorcycle Accident in Aliso Viejo Results in Fatality

Over the weekend, a motorcyclist died after crashing with a SUV on Friday night.  According to a article in the Orange County Register, emergency personnel were called to City Lights Drive, north of Pacific Park Drive, just after 10 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of the collision.  The motorcyclist, identified as 23 year-old Ryan Macomber, was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, according to official sources cited by the Register.   Macomber succumbed to his injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced dead just after 1:00 a.m. on Saturday.  The accident is still under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

See the Orange County Register article HERE.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there are a number of things a motorcycle rider can do to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.  The factors that should be taken into account include:

• Be visible.  Wear proper clothing, use your headlight, and ride in the best lane position to see and be seen.
• Communicate your intentions.  Use the proper signals, brakelight, and lane position.
• Maintain an adequate space cushion.  Allow yourself enough space when following, being followed, lane sharing, passing, and being passed.
• Scan your path of travel.  Look at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead.
• Identify and separate multiple hazards.
• Be prepared to act.  Remain alert and know how to carry out proper collision-avoidance skills.

See the California Motorcycle Handbook HERE.

It is unknown what caused the fatal accident referenced above, and it is rare that a single party is solely at fault.  Macomber was riding his motorcycle at night, and it is  not known what clothing he was wearing and if the headlight on his vehicle was in operation.  The area of City Lights Drive where this accident occurred is relatively straight with a slight grade.  It does not appear that the roadway configuration would have played a role, although there is a merging lane near Pacific Park Drive.  The SUV's speed and whether the driver was keeping an adequate lookout will also factor into how and why this tragic accident occurred.

Compensation for the victims of automobile and motorcycle accidents, caused by a driver's negligence, should be an important concern for all Californians. When a driver operates their vehicle in a careless manner and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable. An Orange County personal injury attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling automobile accident cases, including those involving negligent drivers.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.