A 47-year-old man who was killed in a Orange County car accident the night of May 2, 2012 has been identified as Martin Moreno of Fountain Valley. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred when Moreno was driving a Toyota pickup southbound on the overcrossing at the 405 Freeway where Bolsa Chica Road turns into Valley View Street. Moreno’s pickup was hit head-on by a Honda van that entered into oncoming traffic lanes. Moreno died at the scene while the other driver was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Police have stated that the van’s driver crossed the center of the roadway and struck the Toyota. A driver, identified by the Register as Marisa Gonzales, said she witnessed the van moments before the crash. She said the van cut her off and almost hit her vehicle. She told the paper that the driver of the van was “driving like a maniac, running red lights, driving at least 60 miles per hour.” Police investigators also confirmed that they received several reports of the reckless van driver before the collision. However, an investigation is still ongoing. No arrests have been made.
My deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Martin Moreno. Please keep his grieving family members in your thoughts and prayers.
Witnesses Report Reckless Driver
Based on the news article, police had received several reports of the reckless driver, minutes before this fatal Garden Grove car accident. I trust officials are establishing whether the driver was intoxicated, speeding or driving recklessly at the time.
Laws and Liability Issues
California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a): “Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.”
If negligence was a factor here, Moreno’s family can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and loss of love and companionship. In such cases, victims’ families would be well advised to contact an experienced Garden Grove personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.
SLS Consulting
Peter Tapia said:
Our prayers go out to your family! I knew Martin during my childhood in Reedley, and his mother Carmen is a good friend of my mother. I knew he was much loved by his parents as a child, and he was a good kid who grew up to be a most loving person.