Diana Lynn Ross, 61, of Yorba Linda was killed in an Irvine car accident, The Orange County Register reports. The fatal Orange County car accident occurred late morning on May 29, 2009 at the intersection of Main Street and Harvard Avenue when Ross’ car struck another car. Irvine police investigators believe one of the drivers ran a red light, but have not identified which one of the drivers did that. Officials say drugs or alcohol did not play a part in this fatal car crash. Ross died in an area hospital about an hour after the fatal car collision. There is no word on the condition of the other driver. Anyone who witnessed this Orange County car accident is asked to contact Investigator Linda Villelli at 949-724-7212, extension 2002.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Diana Lynn Ross for their tragic and sudden loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers.
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, there were eight fatalities and 842 injuries involving car accidents reported in Irvine. In Orange County as a whole, 178 deaths and 14,185 injuries were reported in 2007 as a result of car accidents.
In this particular case, it appears one of the drivers ran a red light at that Irvine intersection and struck the other driver. If the investigation concludes that the other driver ran the red light at the intersection and struck Ross, causing her fatal Irvine car crash injuries, then he or she could be held criminally and civilly liable for the fatal Irvine car accident. I trust Irvine traffic investigators will also look into other factors such as reckless driving and driving under the influence. At this point, officials seem to be looking for more eyewitnesses to give them an account of what exactly occurred here.
The family of Diana Lynn Ross would be well advised to consult experienced Orange County car accident attorneys who will carefully examine the details of this case and make sure they receive just compensation for damages. Ross’ family may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit, should the other driver be found at fault. Skilled personal injury attorneys will also look into whether there was a dangerous condition on the roadway or the intersection. If that was the case, the city or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway or intersection could be held liable. Claims against governmental agencies in California must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident/injury.