Meadowbrook, CA (December 19, 2024) – On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Anthony Medina, 28, of Perris, tragically lost his life in a high-speed motorcycle crash on Highway 74 in Meadowbrook.
Accident Details: The collision occurred at approximately 1:25 p.m. on the westbound side of the highway near Hammack Avenue. Medina was riding a 2017 Ducati motorcycle at an estimated speed of 100 mph. California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Mike Lassig stated that Medina switched from the No. 1 to the No. 2 lane shortly before the collision. The motorcycle struck the rear of a 2002 Saturn LW300, traveling at 45 mph. Medina was ejected onto the roadway.
Good Samaritans stopped to provide aid, but Medina was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in the Saturn, a 65-year-old woman and a 5-year-old girl from Homeland, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar. Both are reported to be recovering.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Excessive speed is a significant breach of the duty to operate a vehicle safely and can be deemed negligent under California law. When a driver’s failure to maintain a safe speed contributes to a collision, they may be held responsible for the resulting harm. In this case, Anthony Medina’s high speed of 100 mph could be considered a primary factor in the crash.
However, even if Medina’s actions are deemed negligent, his family may still be able to pursue a wrongful death claim if evidence reveals that another party also contributed to the collision. For example, investigators will determine if inadequate signage, hazardous pavement, or a mechanical defect in Medina’s Ducati motorcycle caused him to lose control. If so, his family may have a claim for damages against the negligent third party. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, any recovery might be reduced based on Medina’s percentage of fault.
The two injured Saturn passengers may be able to bring personal injury claims. These claims can address the costs of medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the collision.
The loss of Anthony Medina is a tragedy, and my thoughts are with his family during this challenging time. I also extend my sympathies to the two Saturn passengers injured in the crash and wish them a full and swift recovery.
Source: My News LA