A motorcycle police officer in El Paso, Texas died from his injuries after being part of a chain-reaction collision last week. Officer David Ortiz had been a member of the police force for 9 years, and was assigned as a traffic officer to the Pebble Hills Regional Command.

Ortiz was in critical condition since Thursday last week, after being hit from behind by a car as his motorcycle was stopped at a red light on the intersection of Lee Treviño Drive and Vista Del Sol Drive. A 45-year-old man driving a Kia Optima had hit the officer. The driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, was also hospitalized for his injuries.

According to police, the first impact trigged a chain-reaction of collisions. The Kia also crashed into an Acura in front of the motorcycle, causing the car to rear-end a Chevrolet pickup and burst into flames, which burned Ortiz’s motorcycle and injured the officer. The accident is still under investigation.

Motorcycle Accidents Common – According to the El Paso authorities, Ortiz was the 2nd police officer to be killed in a motorcycle accident less than 12 months. If anything, this highlights the increased danger motorcycle riders when on the road. As a motorcycle rider, even if you’re driving as defensively as possible, it’s still possible to be involved in an accident completely not of your doing.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact a San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer for a FREE, no-obligation consultation of your rights and legal options. You can reach our injury law firm at (210) 593-8709.