Patricia Thompson-Yates, 77, was killed in an Irvine car accident after her car was broadsided by a van at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of January 18, 2011 at the intersection of Culver Drive and Farwell Avenue. Thompson-Yates was eastbound on Farwell in a Toyota sedan while the van was traveling south on Culver. Thompson-Yates was transported to an area hospital where she died shortly afterward. The other driver’s injuries are not known at this time. Officials are looking into which vehicle had the right-of-way at the time.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Patricia Thompson-Yates for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five fatalities and 840 injuries were reported involving Irvine car accidents. During the same year, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured in Orange County car accidents.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this tragic car accident occurred. However, we do know that it occurred at a street intersection monitored by traffic lights. It is possible one of the drivers ran a red light at the intersection or simply failed to yield right-of-way in this case.
According to California Vehicle Code Section 21800 (a): “The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.” Running a red light is also a serious traffic violation under California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a).
Fault and Liability
If the driver of the van is determined to have been at fault, then he or she could be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. On the other hand, if Thompson-Yates is held responsible, the van driver could claim compensation from her estate and/or liability insurance for injuries and damages caused.
Injured victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured car accident victims and their families.
Lost a family member in an Orange County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Irvine car accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Orange County wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.