California Injury Blog
Three people were injured in a Fullerton car accident, which involved two vehicles, the morning of March 7, 2012. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred at the intersection of Gilbert Street and Moore Avenue. Police say a Dodge Grand Caravan was southbound on Gilbert and turning left to go east on Moore. At the time a Chevy Tahoe, which was northbound on Gilbert, collided with the Caravan. The Tahoe overturned and the male driver suffered lacerations to his head. Two women in the Caravan were also transported to a trauma center with possible head, neck and rib injuries. None of the injuries is believed to be life threatening. Investigators are still trying to determine who was at fault.
My heart goes out to everyone who was injured in this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 761 injuries involving Fullerton car accidents. During the same year, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured due to Orange County car accident.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news article, the Dodge was making a left turn when the Tahoe struck it. It is unclear as to who had the right-of-way at this intersection, which is regulated by traffic lights. Did the Caravan have a green arrow at the time? Or did the driver of the Caravan fail to yield the right-of-way to the oncoming Tahoe?
California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.”
Fault and Liability
In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.