Motor Officer Seriously Injured in Ontario Crash

This morning a police officer aboard a motorcycle in Ontario was badly injured when he collided with a tractor trailer.  According to KABC News, the officer sustained serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital.  The collision occurred at about 7:15 a.m. while both the motor officer and semi truck were traveling northbound on Archibald Avenue.  Reportedly, the truck driver was making a right-hand turn into an IHOP parking lot when the crash happened.

Right Hand Turn Law

In general, both the approach for a right-hand turn and the right-hand turn itself are to be "made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway", with certain exceptions.  From the aerial photograph of the accident scene on KABC News, it would appear the driver of the tractor trailer began his right-hand turn from the number 3 lane, and not the one designated for right-hand turns.  As can be seen on the Google maps image, there is actually a designated right-hand turn lane for northbound traffic on Archibald.  Depending on the precise circumstances, it would appear the truck driver may have made an unsafe turn.

Accident Reconstruction Issues

With serious injuries having been suffered by the motorcycle officer, there can be little doubt the accident above will be carefully reconstructed in order to determine who was at fault for the collision.  Assuming the police officer was riding his motorcycle at a safe speed in the right-turn lane when the semi truck began its turn from the number 3 lane, it would appear the majority of the fault would rest with the truck driver.  Issues of speed and turn signal usage will also play a role in the ultimate determination of liability for the accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile or motorcycle accident, a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney is perhaps the best way to learn more about your right to compensation for any injuries and damages sustained.

SOURCE:  Officer on motorcycle injured in Ontario semi-truck crash, KABC News, October 8, 2013

Rollover Crash In Ontario Leaves Five Dead

Early this morning a horrific crash in Ontario left 5 young men dead after a rollover.  According to KTLA news, the accident reportedly happened at about 1:40 a.m. when the driver ran a red light on Haven Avenue south of Creekside Drive.  The vehicle flipped and ultimately came to rest in the backyard of a home.  One of the five occupants was ejected from the Nissan, and he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.  The four occupants who remained the in the car during the accident were all pronounced dead at the scene.  Investigators believe that alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

See the KTLA news story HERE.

The cause of this tragic crash will undoubtedly be investigated thoroughly by the responsible police agency.  Unfortunately, at this moment, it would appear to be a solo vehicle accident likely resulting from the driver's intoxication or other impairment.  A late night/early morning crash without an obvious cause, especially one involving a relatively young driver, is often presumed to be the result of drug or alcohol use.  A toxicology screen on the driver and a detailed accident reconstruction will enable the investigators to make a determination of the cause.  Regardless, this accident ended the lives of 5 young men way too early, and it can only be described as heartbreaking for their families.
Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents involving intoxicated or otherwise impaired drivers should be an important concern for everyone.   When an impaired driver causes a crash and lives are lost, like the accident above, he or she should be held accountable.  An Orange County wrongful death lawyer with experience at handling pedestrian accident cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.   Mr. Ralph has more than 21 years of experience handling auto accident cases, including those caused by impaired drivers.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a family member been the victim of a serious or fatal automobile 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.