Debra Louise Allen, 42, was killed in a California motorcycle accident after the motorcycle she was riding on was struck by a bus. Allen was on the back of a 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle the morning of October 10, 2009 on Highway 94 near the Tecate border crossing. The motorcycle was passing a bus on a winding hill and struck it while moving back into the lane.
Allen was run over and crushed, while the driver of the motorcycle was pushed to the side of the road. The extent of the motorcyclist's injuries is not clear. The bus, which was operated by a private charter company, was carrying individuals who were detained by federal immigration agents. The bus driver apparently told California Highway Patrol officials that the motorcyclist had cut him off, causing the fatal accident.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Debra Louise Allen for their untimely and tragic loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. I also hope the motorcyclist was not seriously hurt and wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep Allen's family and the injured victim in your prayers.
Bus Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 50 fatalities and 985 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in San Diego County. In 2006, there were 331 deaths as a result of California bus accidents and 16,044 bus accident related injuries nationwide, according to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. California accounted for 45 deaths and 1,488 injuries as a result of bus accidents.
Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly how this fatal motorcycle accident occurred. It is of course, possible the motorcyclist cut the bus driver off. If I were one of Allen's family members, I'd be following up closely with the CHP investigation. In any car accident, it is extremely important to analyze all angles and talk to people who may have witnessed the accident. If the bus driver is found to be at fault for this accident, then the charter bus company (his employer) could be held liable for his negligence. Some of the questions to ask here are: Was the bus driver distracted at the time of the crash? Was he impaired (under the influence of alcohol or drugs)? Was he fatigued? Was he speeding or driving in an unsafe manner given the conditions of the road?
An Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
In such cases, the victim's family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help determine whether there was any negligence involved. If there was any negligence or wrongdoing involved, families of car accident victims can file wrongful death claims, which typically compensate families of deceased victims to cover funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of love and companionship and other related damages.
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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