A yet to be identified man riding his bicycle along the Pacific Coast Highway was struck and killed by a driver on Saturday afternoon. According to KTLA news, the crash was reported at 4:19 p.m. at PCH and 8th Street in Sunset Beach. The victim was initially found by emergency responders in the middle of the road with serious injuries and unconscious.

Early this morning one person was killed in a fiery crash on the 210 Freeway in Sylmar.  According to KTLA news, the accident involved a big rig and a driver traveling the wrong direction on the freeway.   The crash reportedly happened at about 2:15 a.m. on the westbound 210 at Roxford Street.  A UPS truck hauling two trailers was heading westbound when it encountered a compact sedan traveling the wrong way. The truck driver's evasive action was unfortunately unsuccessful, and the two vehicles collided.  Both drivers had to be extricated from their vehicles by emergency personnel, but the sedan driver was pronounced dead at the scene.  The truck driver was said to be OK.

See the KTLA story and photographs HERE.

This tragic accident is difficult to understand at this point.  There does not appear to be a logical explanation for the "wrong way" driver's actions.  When auto accidents occur because of a driver crossing into oncoming traffic or driving intentionally into opposing traffic, one of the first things that comes to mind is whether the driver was intoxicated.  From the news story above, we don't have any information a to what the driver was doing before apparently entering the freeway traveling the wrong direction.  This could have been an accident caused by something as simple as a momentary lapse of judgment.  However, collisions such as the one above are more frequently the result of intoxicated driving or attempted suicide.  It is now up to the CHP to do a complete accident investigation that will almost certainly include a medical/emotional profile on the sedan driver.

Compensation for the victims of serious or fatal traffic freeway accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.   When a driver negligently or intentionally causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable for the injuries and damages to the victims and those family members left behind.   An Orange County attorney with experience at handling auto accidents can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling freeway and other traffic accident cases.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.