California Injury Blog
Three cars collided at the intersection of La Palma Avenue and Brookhurst Street early morning on March 25, 2013 sending at least one person to the hospital. The Orange County Register reports that the injury collision occurred when a Ford Explorer that was northbound on Brookhurst collided with a Honda Civic that was eastbound on La Palma Avenue. The Civic was crushed on the passenger side and the driver was treated for his injuries. Walter Isom, the driver of the Nissan Sentra, was traveling through the green light directly behind the Civic when it was struck and spun into his car, damaging the front end of the Nissan. Isom was not injured. The investigation is still ongoing.
OC Car Crashes
There were 14 fatalities and 2,069 injuries reported in Anaheim as a result of car accidents in 2010, According to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, during the same year, 100 people died and 13,368 were injured due to car crashes in Orange County.
Right-of-Way Issues
It appears from this news report that the accident occurred at a major intersection monitored by traffic lights. Officials say the Civic had the green light at the time. It is unclear at this time if the Ford Explorer ran a red light and struck the Civic. 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
In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries and pain and suffering. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident attorney will also be able to advise victims about how their own auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Source: http://www.ocregister.com/news/anaheim-501140-driver-civic.html