Johannes Gysen, 61, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after his Dodge minivan was broadsided by another vehicle at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Riverside Press-Enterprise, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of La Contenta and Highway 62 in Yucca Valley the morning of February 18, 2011. Gysen was driving his minivan north on La Contenta when he was hit by a Dodge Ram truck driven by 40-year-old Kimberley Melendez, who was eastbound on Highway 62. Gysen died from his injuries. Melendez was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for seven broken ribs. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Johannes Gysen for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 66 injuries involving car accidents in Yucca Valley. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 246 people died and 13,527 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this fatal car accident occurred. If the details of the report are accurate, the accident occurred at the intersection. I trust officials are looking into whether one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way or ran a red light at the intersection, which are the most common causes of such broadside crashes at intersections.
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.” Also, 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
The at-fault motorist in such cases can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation from the at-fault party for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income and other damages. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.
Lost a family member in a San Bernardino 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 Yucca Valley car accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Bernardino 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.