Phuong Le, 26, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Ortega Highway near the Orange and Riverside county lines, the morning of August 21, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Le was traveling east on the highway when he lost control of his 2009 Kawasaki 650R at a curve. California Highway Patrol officials said Le crossed into opposing lanes of traffic on the two-lane highway and struck a guardrail. He died at the scene.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Phuong Le for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 data, 5,290 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents nationwide. This represents a 2 percent increase over the number of motorcyclists killed in 2007. Totally, in the United States, 96,000 motorcyclists sustained personal injuries in motorcycle crashes in 2008. There were 35 fatalities and 801 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Orange County during that same year. In Riverside County, 32 people died and 581 were injured as a result of motorcycle crashes in 2008.

What Cause This Fatal Crash

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this fatal wreck occurred. Officials believe speed may have been a factor. There are also other questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in Le’s motorcycle, which may have caused or contributed to this crash? Was there a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway, which caused Le to lose control of his motorcycle? Were there any other vehicles involved in this crash? For example, was Le forced off the roadway by another driver? I trust officials are looking at these and other factors in order to determine exactly what occurred here.

An Experienced Injury Lawyer Can Help

In such cases, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will examine all aspects of the crash and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions. It would also be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for product defects, design flaws, malfunctions and other evidence. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the most dangerous roadways for motorcyclists in your city or neighborhood?

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.

Jammie Lavine, 22, was killed in a motorcycle accident after he lost control of his cycle and crashed on the Ortega Highway in Lake Elsinore, the morning of May 22, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred close to Grand Avenue. Lavine struck the guardrail and fell about 100 feet down a hillside next to the roadway. He was wearing a helmet, but sustained fatal injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jammie Lavine for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there was one fatality and 15 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Lake Elsinore. In Riverside County as a whole, 32 people died and 581 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes

Based on this news report, it is not exactly clear how or why this crash occurred and what caused Lavine to lose control of his motorcycle. The Ortega Highway is notorious for its dangerous conditions. Drivers, especially motorcyclists, should be extremely watchful and vigilant when they ride the winding roadway. However, in this particular case, there are several questions.

Was this accident caused by rider error? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle, which may have caused or contributed to this crash? Were there other vehicles involved in this crash? Was the motorcyclist run off the roadway by another driver? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway or debris on the roadway that may have led to this crash? Was the guardrail at that location defective? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine exactly what occurred here.

Liability Issues

If this accident was caused by an auto product defect, the vehicle manufacturer or the maker of the defective product can be held liable. If this was caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway or a defective guardrail, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that stretch of the roadway could also be held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. The best Riverside personal injury lawyer will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

What tips would you offer to motorcycle riders in terms of being safe on the road?

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.