California Injury Blog
An 8-year-old girl was severely injured in a Fountain Valley car accident after being ejected from a minivan, the morning of June 9, 2012. According to a news article in The Orange County Register, the car crash occurred at the intersection of Warner and Bushard avenues in Fountain Valley. Officials say a westbound Toyota Camry struck a southbound Ford Aerostar van and the 8-year-old passenger in the van was ejected. She suffered traumatic, but non-life threatening injuries. Two more children in the van were taken to the hospital as a precaution and two adults in the Camry were hospitalized with unknown injuries. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been a factor, but investigators have not ruled out speed or a failure to obey a red light.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this Orange County 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), three fatalities and 443 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Fountain Valley. During that same year, 141 people were killed and 13,373 were injured in Orange County car accidents.
What Caused This Intersection Accident?
It is unclear from this news report why the young victim was ejected from the minivan. Was she wearing a seatbelt? Was she in a booster seat that failed to keep her secured in the vehicle? It is also unclear as to what caused the two vehicles to collide. The report states that speed may have been a factor and that one of the vehicles may have run 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.” According to California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law): “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
Fault and Liability
In this particular case, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims and their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.