Dan Crain, 65, sustained fatal injuries in a Newport Beach car accident after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal bicycle collision occurred the night of August 3, 2010, when Crain was riding his bike south on Newport Coast Drive. At the time, a car merged on Newport Coast from the 73 Toll Road and struck him. Officials say the driver of the car was unable to brake in time to avoid the collision. Crain spent two weeks in the hospital and underwent multiple spinal surgeries. He died from his injuries on August 15, 2010.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dan Crain. According to the news report, Crain was a member of the Orange County Rebel Riders bicycling club. Crain is described by his cycling buddies as a "good friend and a wonderful cyclist." Please keep his grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one death and 87 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents in Newport Beach. During the same year, 10 people were killed and 1,087 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in Orange County.
What Caused this Tragic Accident
Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly what caused Crain to ride out in front of the vehicle. By all accounts, he seems to have been an experienced bicycle rider. There are still several unanswered questions here. Whose fault was this accident? Was there a right-of-way issue involved in this fatal injury accident? Should the driver have noticed Crain sooner and been able to stop in time ? Was the driver of the car distracted or negligent in some way? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway which may have caused or contributed to this fatal crash? Were there any witnesses to this collision? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to determine how or why this tragic collision occurred.
Claim for Compensation
Families of deceased accident victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, emotional distress and other related damages.
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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.
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