Renee Gougeon, 60, was killed in a Corona car accident after the motorcycle he was riding collided with an SUV. According to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred the morning of May 15, 2010 on Ontario Avenue, close to Vesper Circle. Gougeon was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly afterward. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Renee Gougeon for their devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were three fatalities and 37 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Corona. In Riverside County as a whole, 32 people died and 581 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Crash?

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this tragic collision occurred. It seems that this accident did not take place at an intersection. Did the SUV hit the motorcycle as the driver turned out of a parking lot? Was the SUV making a turn into a property or attempting to make a U-turn? Was the driver of the SUV intoxicated, distracted, or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision? Did he or she make an unsafe turning movement or commit some type of traffic violation? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine who was at fault for this collision.

Liability Issues

Victims' families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency or city responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable.

Please remember that any such claim against a California public entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. If a dangerous condition on private property caused this accident, the property owner can be held liable as well. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What are some of the steps you take as a motorist to make sure that you are consciously looking for motorcyclists on the roadway?

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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