Five people, including a 2-month-old baby, were injured in a Santa Ana car accident after two vehicles collided at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred the morning of November 15, 2011 at the intersection of First and Euclid streets. Officials report a Nissan Altima carrying two women and two children that was traveling west on First Street collided with a Diamond Environmental Services septic truck, which was traveling south on Euclid Street.
Police say one of the vehicles ran a red light. Investigators are still reviewing the video from a red light cameras in the area to determine who was at fault. The two women in the Altima were transported to area hospitals with unknown injuries, while the infant was hospitalized with serious injuries. Another 2-year-old boy from the Nissan was treated at the scene. The male driver of the truck suffered possible broken ribs. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to all the injured victims of this car versus truck accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 11 fatalities and 1,359 injuries occurred involving Santa Ana car accidents. During the same year, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured in Orange County car accidents.
Who Had the Right of Way?
Based on this news report, it appears that the one of the drivers may have run a red light at the intersection or may have failed to yield the right of way. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Fault and Liability
If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault, both he and his employer can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. If the driver of the Altima is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for the injuries caused to the truck driver and the passengers in her car. Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Santa Ana personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.