Esther F. Kumasaka, 82, was killed in a Huntington Beach car accident, which officials say, involved two vehicles. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of November 5, 2011 at the intersection of Bushard Street and Adams Avenue. Police report Kumasaka was a passenger in one of the vehicles. The driver of the vehicle in which Kumasaka was a passenger was also injured, but the extent of his injuries is not known. Officials are still investigating the cause of this two-vehicle crash.
I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family members and friends of Esther F. Kumasaka for their tragic and devastating loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Orange County Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 13 fatalities and 993 injuries involving Huntington Beach car accidents. During the same year, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured due to Orange County car accidents.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it is not quite clear as to how or why this fatal crash occurred. It does appear, however, that the injury accident happened at an intersection that is monitored by traffic lights. It is not entirely clear at this point whether one of the drivers ran a red light at the intersection or failed to yield the right of way.
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
I trust officials are also looking into whether drunk driving, distracted driving, or any other form of negligence played a part in this collision. In such cases, if negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of the deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
Victims’ families would be well advised to contact an experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the at-fault parties are held responsible. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.