Jesus Ravega, 48, an off-duty LAPD officer, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles after he lost control of his cycle, crashed and was run over by a big rig. According to a news report in The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on September 2, 2011 on the northbound 101 Freeway near the connector to the 110 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officials say Ravega lost control while passing a big rig truck. The truck ran over the officer's motorcycle and then the officer. Ravega was pronounced dead at a hospital.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Jesus Ravega for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Ravega was apparently a 24-year veteran of the LAPD. Please keep his grieving family members in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 35 fatalities and 1,248 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in the city of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 83 people died and 2,719 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents, during the same year. Also, in 2009, 554 fatalities and 50,817 injuries were reported as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Crash?

Based on this news report, officials say Ravega lost control of the motorcycle suddenly as he was passing the big rig. There are still several unanswered questions here. What caused Ravega to lose control of the motorcycle? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway such as a pothole or uneven pavement? Were any other vehicles involved? Was the motorcycle cut off or sideswiped by another vehicle? Did the big rig cause the motorcyclist to lose control? Could the driver of the big rig have avoided running over the motorcyclist? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what occurred here and why.

Liability Issues

If the driver of the truck is determined to have been at fault here, then, both the driver and his or her employer can be held liable for Ravega's wrongful death. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused this accident, then, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a public entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident. The best California motorcycle accident lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.