Costa Mesa Man Hurt in Freeway Accident

A 43-year-old Costa Mesa man suffered major head injuries Friday when he lost control of his Audi on the Santa Ana Freeway and was thrown from the car, California Highway Patrol officials said.

CHP Officer Denise Medina said the man, whose name was not released because his family had not been notified of his condition, was driving south near the Riverside Freeway about 9:15 a.m. when the accident occurred.

Rather than merge onto the Riverside Freeway, the man swerved to the right, apparently in an effort to stay on the Santa Ana Freeway. He then swerved to the left and struck some guardrail posts before careening to the right and overturning.

The man was ejected into traffic lanes, Medina said. It was unclear whether he was wearing a seat belt, she said. He was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where a hospital spokeswoman said he was in guarded condition Friday.