Mario R. Santizo, 58, was killed April 24, 2009 in a Los Angeles County car and motorcycle accident as he was riding his motorbike on the 210 Freeway. Five others were injured in the Los Angeles car accident, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports. The injured victims were identified as Timothy G. Lee, 38; Samuel C. Urias, 56; Steve Falcon, 40, and his wife Rafalea Falcon, 39; and Tonisha Muhammad, 30. The multiple car accident began when a Lexus traveling at a high rate of speed, driven by Muhammad rear-ended a Toyota 4Runner driven by Alejandro Velasquez. Minutes later, Lee, the driver of a Toyota Camry, crashed into the disabled Lexus. As a result of the second car collision, the Lexus struck three passing motorcycles, according to California Highway Patrol officials.
Santizo, who was riding a 2004 Harley-Davidson, died from his personal injuries. Urias, who was riding a 2006 Yamaha suffered major motorcycle accident injuries. The Falcons also suffered major injuries. Velasquez was uninjured while Lee and Muhammad suffered minor to moderate injuries.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Mario Santizo, who was killed in this horrific chain reaction car crash. I also hope and pray that the injured victims will get through this tough time and make a quick and complete recovery. I offer my deepest sympathies to Santizo's family and friends. Please keep Santizo's family and all these injured victims in your prayers.
Based on this newspaper report, it seems to me that the driver of the Lexus -- Tonisha Muhammad -- caused the initial car collision, which had a chain effect resulting in the other car collisions. If the initial report is accurate, Muhammad was speeding and had trouble controlling the Lexus. I trust officials are looking into whether she was driving recklessly or driving under the influence of alcohol.
The family of Mario R. Santizo and the other injured victims would be well-advised to contact experienced California car accident attorneys who can help determine who was negligent and who was at fault for this multiple car accident. The best California personal injury attorneys will not charge any fees for a comprehensive initial consultation.
SLS Consulting