LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – CHP Officer Philip Ortiz pulled over a sport utility vehicle on the 405 Freeway on June 9. He was writing a ticket when a sedan hit his motorcycle and the SUV. Paramedics arrived at the scene and had to pull Ortiz from the wreckage. They took him to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he remained until he died Tuesday night. He was 48.

The family of Officer Philip Dennis Ortiz has thanked the public for all of their prayers and encouraging words, according to a public statement. They also said that, during Philip’s 28 years with the CHP, he cherished his public service and took pride in serving the citizens of California. The accident is still under investigation. Saul Gomez, a CHP spokesman said a memorial service is being planned.

Our hearts go out to the Ortiz family in this time of great trauma. Losing a loved one is always a life changing experience for the surviving family members. If you have lost a loved one in a work related accident, there are many complicated rules that will apply to your situation. You need the assistance of an experienced wrongful death attorney to ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Berman & Riedel, LLP is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm in San Diego, California. Our lawyers have handled many wrongful death cases with a great deal of success. If you would like to speak with a qualified attorney, contact the firm to set up a case consultation free of charge. In addition, you can visit www.bermanlawyers.com to learn more about wrongful death law and the firm’s past successes.