Santa Ana, CA (July 26, 2024) – A devastating collision at the intersection of Bristol Street and Hemlock Way in Santa Ana claimed the life of 23-year-old motorcyclist Tom Nunez Guadarrama.
Incident Overview and Investigation Details: Guadarrama was traveling north on Bristol Street when the collision occurred. The other vehicle involved was heading south on Bristol and turning left onto Hemlock Way when it collided with the motorcyclist. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured and remained at the scene to cooperate with the investigators. The Santa Ana Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several key factors need to be investigated to determine liability:
- Right of Way: One of the primary considerations is whether the driver making the left turn failed to yield the right of way to the Guadarrama. California Vehicle Code requires drivers making a left turn or U-turn to yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction until it is reasonably safe to make the turn.
- Speed and Visibility: It is crucial to examine whether the speed of either vehicle contributed to the collision and whether visibility issues, such as poor lighting or obstructed views, played a role.
- Driver Distraction or Impairment: Investigators will need to determine if the driver of the vehicle was distracted or possibly impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.
- Road Conditions and Signage: The condition of the road, the presence of any traffic signals or signs, and whether those signals were functioning properly at the time of the accident are also important factors to consider.
If negligence is determined as the cause of the accident, Guadarrama’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Tom Nunez Guadarrama during this tragic time.
Source: Audacy