Two people were injured in a car accident in Orange, which officials say involved three vehicles including a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s patrol car. According to The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred the morning of August 28, 2012 on the southbound 5 Freeway at Chapman Avenue. California Highway Patrol officials say the female driver of a Nissan Versa and a man who was driving Dodge Ram pickup truck were injured and transported to local hospitals. The female driver of the marked sheriff’s vehicle was not injured. Officials are still investigating the cause of the crash.
My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Crash Statistics
According to CHP’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven fatalities and 775 injuries involving Orange car accidents. During the same year, Orange County traffic collisions claimed 100 lives and injured 13,368 people.
What Caused This Freeway Crash?
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to who was at fault or who caused this injury crash. There are several unanswered questions here. Did an unsafe lane change lead to this collision? Was this a rear-end collision? Did alcohol, drugs, distracted driving, inattention or speed play a part here? Was one of the drivers following the others too closely?
California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.”
Fault and Liability
In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related expenses. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.