California Injury Blog
A car accident in Los Angeles proved fatal for an elderly man and resulted in injuries for five others the morning of July 5, 2010. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fatal crash happened when a driver ran a red light at the intersection of East Orange Grove and Sierra Madre boulevards. The elderly man, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, suffered fatal injuries while five others were injured, one of them seriously. Officials are investigating the incident.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this elderly victim. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. They will be in my prayers.
The Problem of Red Light Running
Red light running is a serious problem nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2005 alone, nearly 9,200 people died and 1 million people were injured in intersection-related car accidents nationwide. That number accounts for nearly 45 percent of all traffic accidents. According to 2005 data from NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crashes caused by red light running resulted in an estimated 805 fatalities. Running a red light is also illegal in California under Vehicle Code section 21453 (a).
Liability Issues
In this particular case, if it is determined that one of the drivers was at fault for running the red light, then, he or she could be held liable for the wrongful death of the elderly man and for the injuries caused to the others. If I were a member of the deceased victim’s family, I would also want to know whether the at-fault driver was under the influence, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent.
An experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
Do you think red light cameras help curb red light running at 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.