Derek Roberts, 45, was killed in an Orange County car accident after the vehicle in which he was a passenger crashed on a Trabuco Canyon roadway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car crash occurred the night of June 29, 2010 on Live Oak Canyon Road near Old Stage Road. California Highway Patrol officials say Roberts was a passenger in a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer traveling south when the 32-year-old female driver unsafely turned and lost control.
The car then went over the double yellow lines, into opposing lanes of traffic, colliding with a K-rail and also a northbound 2000 Lexus RX 300. Both people in the Lexus had minor injuries. The female driver of the Mitsubishi was uninjured. CHP is investigating the incident.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Derek Roberts for their tragic and immense loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 321 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Orange County. Also, countywide, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Causes and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this accident occurred. Was the driver of the Mitsubishi traveling too fast? Was this accident the result of a dangerous or defective roadway? Was the driver of the Mitsubishi impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent? I trust CHP investigators are looking into these and other factors in an effort to determine precisely how this accident occurred and why.
Live Oak Canyon Road in Trabuco Canyon has been the site of numerous traffic accidents and collisions. The winding road can present especially dangerous conditions for those who drive impaired or those who travel at a high rate of speed. In this case, if the accident was solely caused by a dangerous roadway, then the victim's family could file a wrongful death claim against the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway. If the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the Mitsubishi's driver, she could be held liable for the injuries caused and the Roberts' wrongful death.
In such cases, an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
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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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