Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Possibly Caused by Dangerous Roadway
A motorcyclist, who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on the 10 Freeway was identified by officials as 53-year-old Tony Simpson. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on the westbound side of the freeway in Alhambra the morning of March 23, 2010.
Witnesses apparently told California Highway Patrol officials that the motorcyclist crossed the double yellow lines as he made a lane change to enter the carpool lane. CHP officials say, however, that this fatal motorcycle crash occurred on a dangerous patch of the 10 Freeway that commonly has uneven roadway levels separating the carpool lanes. Officials are looking into whether the uneven pavement posed a dangerous condition for the motorcyclist.
My heart goes out to everybody who knew and loved Tony Simpson for their tragic loss. They will be in my prayers.
Motorcycle Accidents
According to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 13 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Alhambra in 2008. In Los Angeles County, motorcycle accidents claimed 114 lives and injured 2,934 people in 2008.
Dangerous Roadway Condition?
CHP officials say that this crash occurred on a "bad patch of roadway" on the 10 Freeway where the roadway conditions are constantly changing. Usually in such cases where motorcycles hit an uneven pavement, motorcyclists are able to recover even if the vehicle goes out of control momentarily. But in some cases, when a motorcycle is traveling at freeway speeds, it becomes extremely challenging not to lose control.
If this accident was caused by a dangerous roadway, then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any personal injury or wrongful death claim against any California governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
