California Injury Blog
Mark Offeney, 57, was killed in a hit-and-run car accident in San Bernardino, which officials say, was caused by a suspected car thief who was driving the wrong way on a freeway. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred the afternoon of January 22, 2011, when a man who police say stole a truck, drove the wrong way on the 210 Freeway. Police stopped pursuing the suspect as soon as he started going against traffic. As soon as he entered the freeway, the suspect collided with Offeney’s motorcycle.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident
The suspect fled on foot. When apprehended, he is likely to face auto theft, vehicular manslaughter or even murder charges, officials say. The suspect is described as a Latino man in his mid 20s, 5 feet 6 inches tall, wearing a white t-shirt or a light brown hooded sweatshirt. He was last seen in the area of Second and G streets in downtown San Bernardino. Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call 911 or San Bernardino police at 909-384-5742.
I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Mark Offeney for their devastating loss. Please keep his grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 69 injuries involving motorcycle accidents in San Bernardino. Countywide, 34 people died and 532 were injured as a result of motorcycle accidents during the same year.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Based on this news report, the suspect not only stole the truck, but also evaded authorities and drove the wrong way on the freeway causing the fatal head-on accident with the motorcyclist. After all this, he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot leaving the critically injured motorcyclist lying on the freeway exposed to more danger. Despicable! I certainly hope this individual is soon apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you have any information, please visit our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com where you can leave an anonymous tip and become eligible for a $1,000 reward. Hit-and-run is a serious violation of the law under California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a).
Protecting Victims’ Rights
Families of deceased victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to inform victims’ families about how their car insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault motorist is not located or is uninsured or underinsured.
Lost a family member in a San Bernardino County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal San Bernardino motorcycle accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.