A police officer was injured in a Costa Mesa car accident after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Victoria Street the morning of May 12, 2010. A gray Nissan Altima was involved in the crash. The car was damaged in the rear passenger side. No one else was injured. California Highway Patrol officials are investigating this collision since it involves a police vehicle.


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I hope the officer did not suffer major injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. He will be in my prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there was one fatality and 54 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Costa Mesa. In Orange County as a whole, 35 fatalities and 801 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Laws

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this car versus motorcycle collision occurred. However, we do know that this occurred at a busy intersection. Did the accident occur when the police officer was responding to an incident? Did the car make a turn in front of the officer? Who had the right-of-way at this intersection? Failure to yield right-of-way is a serious traffic violation. According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

We also know that a number of motorcycle accidents occur when the other vehicle is making a left turn. According to California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a): "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Issues Relating to Compensation

In such cases, injured victims could seek compensation from at-fault parties for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization and rehabilitation. This police officer, who seems to have been on-the-job, will also be eligible for workers compensation benefits. An experienced Costa Mesa personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise injured victims about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the most common dangers motorcyclists face on our roadways?

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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