Local News in Brief : Laguna Hills : Motorcyclist Badly Hurt in Collision With Car

A 26-year-old motorcyclist was severely injured early Monday when he was struck by a car that apparently failed to stop for a red light, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol said.

Richard H. Williams of Laguna Hills was struck by a car driven by Mercedes Muros, 27, of Laguna Hills as he turned left at Paseo de Valencia and Los Alisos Boulevard, CHP Officer Drew Hertsch said. The accident occurred about 7:45 a.m.

Williams, who was wearing a helmet, suffered a broken left arm and leg and other trauma. He was taken to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, where he was in surgery late Monday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Muros, who complained of head, neck and hip pains, was taken to Saddleback Community Hospital in Laguna Hills, where she was treated and released.

Traffic citations are pending against both drivers, Hertsch said: against Muros for allegedly failing to stop for a red light, and against Williams for allegedly not carrying a driver’s license and having no proof of vehicle insurance.

Recommendations for citations are routinely submitted to the county district attorney’s office during investigations of traffic accidents, a CHP spokesman said.