An October 19, 2009 Orange County car accident has injured two people when a motorcycle was making a left turn on to a freeway on-ramp near Main Street in Santa Ana, California and hit a car, The Orange County Register reports. The motorcycle-car crash took place at the street intersection of Main Street and Buffalo Avenue, close to the I-5 southbound on-ramp as a Volkswagen GTI car heading north on Main struck the motorcycle, Santa Ana police said. The driver of the car and the rider who have not been identified yet, were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were described as not life-threatening.

My sincere sympathies go out to the injured victims of this Santa Ana motorcycle accident. It is extremely fortunate their injuries were not worse, given the circumstances. I wish them both, a fast and full recovery.

Orange County Motorcycle Accidents And California Law

The news article does not say whose fault this accident was or even who had the right-of-way. It seems to me, in any such injury collision that occurs at street intersections the at-fault party would be the one who had continued when they did not have the right-of-way. If this article is accurate, the motorcyclist was making a left turn when he was hit. Readers who have commented to this report say they witnessed the Volkswagen's driver running a red light just before colliding with the motorcycle. If it is determined this was the case and that the motorcyclist had the right-of-way, then the driver of the car could be held responsible for the motorcyclist's injuries.

California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Accident Victims Benefit From Legal Consultation

A vehicle making a left turn ahead of another is one of the leading factors in serious accidents, especially when involving motorcycles and passenger cars. The victims involved in these types of accidents would be well-advised to consult with a truly reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will better explain the legal rights and options that are available to them. A skilled car accident lawyer will stay on top of the official investigation and determine whether there was any negligence involved here. The victim can seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, loss of wages and other related damages. The best injury law firms always provide a comprehensive and free consultation to accident 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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