Five people were injured, one seriously, in a car accident on August 7, 2010 on Highway 46, according to a news report in the Paso Robles Press. The injury collision occurred when Megan M. Lira, who was driving a 2007 Chevy Malibu west on the highway, braked hard to avoid a Chevy pickup truck that had suddenly slowed down in front of her. Lira’s Malibu veered across into opposing lanes of traffic. Paul Greidanus, who was driving a Chevy Silverado east on the highway, swerved to stop from hitting the out-of-control car. But he ended up striking the rear of the Malibu.
Lira suffered moderate injuries. One of her passengers, a child, suffered major injuries. Two others in the Malibu – Mauro Burden and another child sustained minor injuries, while Greidanus complained of neck pain, officials said. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the family of the child who was seriously injured in this crash. I wish all the victims in this injury collision the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven deaths and 492 injuries as a result of car accidents in Visalia in 2008. In Tulare County as a whole, 65 people died and 1,724 sustained personal injuries due to car accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
It is unclear from this report why Lira wasn’t prepared to slow down with traffic on the highway. Was she driving distracted or was she speeding excessively? CaliforniaVehicle Code section 22350 (Basic Speed Law)states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
If this accident is determined to have been Lira’s fault, then, she could be held liable for the injuries caused to the others. Injured victims in such cases could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable.
How much distance do you keep between yourself and the car in front of you on the highway?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.