Four people were injured in a Westminster car accident after a vehicle that was evading authorities ran a red light and struck another vehicle. According to The Orange County Register, the collision occurred the morning of May 16, 2012. Officials say Santa Ana police started pursuing a silver Dodge Caliber after the driver failed to stop. Undercover detectives attempted to stop the driver for traffic violations, but he fled. The driver ran a red light at Bolsa Avenue and Beach Boulevard and struck a pickup at high speed. Three people were in the truck. In all, four people were transported to area hospitals here. The driver of the Dodge is expected to face criminal charges. An investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this Orange County car accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.
Orange County Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 465 were injured in Westminster car accidents. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred involving Orange County car accidents.
Red Light Violation
Based on this news account, the driver of the Dodge was evading the authorities before going through a red light. 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.”
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related expenses. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Injured victims of such negligence and wrongdoing should contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to determine if the police officers followed their department’s policies with regard to pursuits. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.