One person was hospitalized following an Anaheim car accident, which police report involved a big rig that left the scene, the morning of March 6, 2012. According to a news article in The Orange County Register, the truck crash occurred along the eastbound 91 Freeway near Weir Canyon Road. Officials say a silver compact car and another car hit each other before the compact was pushed into the center divider. Later, the driver of a semi-truck called the California Highway Patrol to report involvement in the collision. It is unclear which driver was responsible here, or if the truck driver will be cited for fleeing the accident site.
My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this truck accident. I wish the victim the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.
Anaheim Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 23 people were killed and 1,970 were injured in Anaheim car accidents. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred due to Orange County car crashes.
What Caused This Three-Car Collision?
Based on this news account, officials are still looking into what may have led to the accident. When did the truck driver become aware of the fact that he or she may have been involved in an accident? Did the big rig’s driver knowingly flee the collision or only become aware later? Were any of the motorists speeding, driving distracted or otherwise negligent? Did the crash involve an unsafe lane change? I trust these are some of the issues investigators are examining to establish if any negligence was involved.
Laws and Liability Issues
Leaving the scene of a car accident or hit-and-run is not only an irresponsible and inhumane act, but it is also illegal. California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
If the big rig driver caused the accident and left the scene of the crash, he or she can be held both, criminally and civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused. Victims would be well advised in such cases to seek the counsel of an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Car accident victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party to cover damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related expenses.