Michael McMaster, 59, was killed in an Orange County car accident after he lost control of his SUV and crashed into a light pole, according to the Orange County Coroner’s web site. The fatal crash was reported early morning on March 25, 2010 near the intersection of Avenida de La Carlota and Via Puerta in Laguna Woods, The Orange County Register reports. McMaster was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash.

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I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael McMaster for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Pleas keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 18 injuries involving car accidents in Laguna Woods. In Orange County as a whole, 152 fatalities and 13,414 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly how or why this fatal car crash occurred. There are more questions than answers here. What type of SUV was McMaster driving? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in his vehicle that caused him to lose control? The article does not state whether McMaster was impaired or fatigued or if he suffered a medical condition. Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here.

Liability Issues

If this accident was caused by a vehicle defect or design defect, the auto maker, or the manufacturer of the defective product, can be held liable. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused the accident, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and determine whether there was negligence or wrongdoing involved. If that was the case here, McMaster’s family can file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party, seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.