Joshua David and Natalie Pierson, both 18, sustained injuries in a Ventura car accident after the van they were in struck a tractor-trailer. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, David was driving south on Pacific Coast Highway near Ventura the night of June 28, 2010, when the large truck that had been stopped on the shoulder pulled into the roadway and failed to yield right-of-way to David’s vehicle.
California Highway Patrol officials said David’s car hit the left rear side of the semi’s trailer. David had to be extricated from the wreckage. He sustained fractures to his arm and leg, a cut to his head and bruises. Pierson also sustained cuts and bruises. The truck driver, who was identified as 64-year-old David Hernandez, was uninjured. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to these two injured teens. I hope their injuries were not major. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 21 deaths and 632 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Also, countywide, 63 people died and 3,785 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.
Right-of-Way
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that this truck accident occurred because the truck driver failed to yield right-of-way to the injured victims’ vehicle. I trust officials are looking into why Hernandez failed to yield right-of-way to the van bearing David and Pierson. Was he impaired, distracted or inattentive?
Fault and Liability
If the truck driver is determined to have been at fault, then, he as well as his employer could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, surgery and medical costs. Victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced
Ventura personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable.
Have you had any close calls with large trucks while driving on the roadway? We would like to hear about your experiences.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.