John Avinger, 21, was killed in an Irvine car accident, the morning of February 22, 2010 after he lost control of the Cadillac he was driving and crashed into a freeway sound wall. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the accident occurred on the eastbound Culver Driver on-ramp to the southbound 5 Freeway.

California Highway Patrol officials suspect that the Cadillac was traveling at a high rate of speed in the carpool lane when Avinger lost control, veered across all lanes and hit the sound wall. Avinger was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. A passenger, 20-year-old Brandon Baker, was transported to a local hospital with facial trauma and cuts. Officials are still investigating the cause of this fatal car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of John Avinger for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I also wish Brandon Baker the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were five fatalities and 840 injuries involving car accidents in Irvine. Countywide, 152 deaths and 13,414 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents during the same year.

Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that speed may have played a part in this fatal car accident. However, officials are still investigating the exact cause of the crash. If I were a member of Avinger's family, I would also look into why he was ejected, as the article does not indicate whether or not Avinger was wearing his seatbelt.

If it is determined that seatbelt defects may have caused Avinger's fatal injuries, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product could be held liable. In any case where an auto product defect is suspected, victims or their families would be well-advised to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined for vehicle defects, malfunctions or other evidence.

In this particular case, if Avinger is determined to have been at-fault, his injured passenger, Baker, could claim compensation from Avinger's estate and insurance. An experienced Irvine personal injury lawyer will be able to guide victims and their families through these complex legal issues and make sure they are fairly compensated for their injuries, damages and losses. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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