California Injury Blog
Jason Cuellar, 8, was killed in a Fresno car accident after a vehicle in which he was a passenger was struck by a driver who police say ran a red light at an intersection. According to a CBS news report, the fatal crash occurred the evening of September 26, 2010, when an SUV traveling on Shepherd Avenue ran a red light at Champlain Drive and crashed into a Honda Civic. The Honda then struck a Volkswagen, which was waiting to make a left turn at the intersection.
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Jason, who was in the back seat of the Civic, was fatally injured. Several others were also hurt in the crash including Jason’s mother, who is listed in fair condition. No charges have been field against the driver of the SUV pending an official investigation.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and classmates of Jason Cuellar for their tragic, untimely and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this boy’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 33 deaths and 1,485 injuries involving Fresno car accidents. Countywide, 127 people died and 3,323 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, officials believe that the driver of the SUV may have run a red light and struck the Honda in which Jason was a passenger. At this time, officials say they have no reason to believe the driver was impaired, distracted or speeding at the time. Running a red light is a serious traffic violation under California law. 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.”
If the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault for this accident, he could face criminal charges and be held financially responsible for the collision, injuries and damages caused. Injured car accident victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking medical and funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, and other damages. An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.
What precautions do you take, as a driver, at busy street intersections?
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.