Ralph Abinader, 24, was killed in a Newport Beach car accident after the Ferrari in which he was a passenger went out of control and crashed into a tow truck, on Pacific Coast Highway, The Orange County Register reports. The fatal car accident occurred the evening of December 24, 2009 on Coast Highway between Bayside Drive and Jamboree Road, Newport Beach police officials said. Police do not believe alcohol was a factor, but they do believe excessive speed may have caused the car to go out of control. The driver of the Ferrari, who has not yet been identified, was critically injured, while two occupants of the tow truck sustained minor injuries.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ralph Abinader for their devastating loss. This grieving family will certainly be in my prayers. I also wish the injured victims of this car accident my best for a fast and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were four fatalities and 513 injuries in Newport Beach as a result of car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 178 deaths and 14,185 injuries were caused by car accidents in 2007.

Car Accident Causes

This car crash is reminiscent of another fatal Newport Beach car accident involving a Ferrari that killed TapouT founder Charles Lewis Jr. in March. In that case, Lewis' vehicle had sideswiped another car before crashing into a light pole. The driver of the other car was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run for leaving the scene of an accident.

It appears that speed may have played a part in this car accident, based on preliminary police reports and eyewitness reports. However, I trust officials are also looking into the possible involvement of other vehicles. Was this driver street-racing with another vehicle? Was he run off the road by another vehicle? Were there any vehicle defects or mechanical malfunctions in the Ferrari at the time of the accident? It is possible that this may have just been an accident where speed caused the driver of the Ferrari to lose control and crash, but Abinader's family members deserve to know what exactly happened here.

Wrongful Death Claims

In this particular case, the driver of the Ferrari in which Abinader was a passenger, could be held liable for reckless or negligent driving. If another driver is found to have been involved, for example in a street race, then he or she could be held liable for Abinader's wrongful death. Families of deceased car accident victims may file wrongful death claims, where negligence or wrongdoing is determined to have caused the accident. Wrongful death claims seek compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of love and companionship and other damages. An experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer will stay on top of such complex investigations and make sure that the legal rights of the victims' families are protected and that they receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.

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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