U.S. Marine Killed in Lake Forest Motorcycle Accident

Scott Gonzalez, a 21-year-old U.S. Marine, has been killed in a Lake Forest motorcycle accident. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal accident occurred the morning of November 14, 2016 at the intersection of Toledo Way and Lake Forest Drive when Gonzalez was riding with his brother who was on another bike. Bystanders helped Gonzalez’s brother pull him out of the wreckage, which had caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No citations or arrests have been reported. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Scott Gonzalez for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them as well as his brothers in the U.S. Marines in your thoughts and prayers.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

One person was killed and 19 were injured in Lake Forest motorcycle accidents, according to California Highway Patrol 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Orange County as a whole, 30 fatalities and 989 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Crash?

Based on this news report, it appears that the motorcycle collision occurred at a large street intersection, which is monitored by traffic lights. It is unclear, however, as to how or why this collision occurred. There are several unanswered questions here. Did one of the vehicles fail to yield the right of way? Did the motorist make an unsafe let turn or U-turn? Did excessive speed, alcohol, drugs or distracted driving play a part? We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what caused this fatal crash.

Liability Issues

In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim. Such claims are filed by immediate family members of the deceased and seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. Families of accident victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County motorcycle accident attorney who has successfully handled wrongful death claims and can help them hold the at-fault parties accountable.