Bicyclist Dies in Newport Beach Car Accident

Paul Lin, 41, of Irvine, was killed in a Newport bicycle  accident after his bicycle collided with vehicle. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal bike crash occurred the evening of November 6, 2013 at the intersection of San Joaquin Hills Road and Marguerite Avenue. Police say Lin was riding north on Marguerite Avenue and turned left on San Joaquin Hills Road when a westbound car hit him. Lin died at the scene. Police are looking into who was at fault or if Lin was wearing reflective fear. No arrests or citations were reported.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Paul Lin for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Newport Beach Bicycle Accidents

Last year, Newport Beach saw two bicycle accident deaths in two consecutive days. On September 14, 2012, Sarah Leaf was killed in a bicycle collision and the next day, Catherine Campion-Ritz was killed by a hit-and-run driver while cycling. In Orange County as a whole, in 2010, three people died and 1,817 were injured as a result of bike crashes.

What Caused this Collision?

Based on this news report, it is unclear as to how or why this crash occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Who had the right-of-way? Was there a dangerous condition as the intersection? Did the bicyclist make an unsafe turn? Was the motorist impaired, distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine who was at fault here.

Fault and Liability

If the motorist in this case is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as medical and funeral costs, lost future income and loss of love and companionship.

An experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer can also help victims’ families determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused the crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the incident.