California Injury Blog
Several people in an SUV were injured in a Modesto car accident after a 27-year-old driver drifted into opposing lanes of traffic and struck the SUV. According to a news report in the Merced Sun Star, the major injury collision occurred the evening of April 15, 2010 on 16th Street, near Ashby Road in Merced.
Michael Hollenhorst was driving a 1999 Toyota Corolla east on 16th Street when it crossed over to the westbound lane and struck a 2004 GMC Yukon driven by 35-year-old Luis Gordiano. The SUV then went into a concrete pillar on the side of the roadway after the initial collision. Damian Gordiano, 15, who was in the front passenger seat, and 6-year-old Miguelito Valencia, who was in the back seat, sustained major injuries. Four other passengers in the Yukon, including three children sustained minor injuries. Hollenhorst also suffered minor injuries. Alcohol or drugs were not a factor in the crash, officials said. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to everyone who was injured in this crash, especially the two children in the Yukon who were seriously injured. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 399 injuries involving car accidents in Merced, California. Countywide, 51 people died and 1,616 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.
Fault and Liability
If this news report is accurate, it appears that the driver of the Toyota Corolla for some reason crossed over to the opposing lanes of traffic and struck the Yukon. It is not clear what caused him to do so. Officials are saying he wasn’t impaired. But was he distracted, fatigued, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the collision? I trust officials are investigating these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here. If Hollenhorst is determined to have been at fault, he could be held financially responsible for the injuries caused to the occupants of the Yukon.
Injured victims and their families in such cases, would be well-advised to contact an experienced Modesto personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible. Victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, medication, surgery, physical therapy and other related damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
What precautions do you take when you are driving in order to avoid car accidents?
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.