California Injury Blog
Francisco Cinto, 40, was killed in an Orange County car accident after his disabled car was rear-ended by an SUV on the 5 Freeway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Cinto’s Toyota Corolla was stopped in the southbound lanes of the freeway near Alicia Parkway, the night of September 27, 2010. Cinto had the hazard lights on, but was rear-ended by a 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven by a 21-year-old man. California Highway Patrol officials say the Tahoe struck the Corolla while travelling at about 70 mph. Cinto was in the car and was found dead when firefighters arrived. The driver of the SUV sustained moderate injuries. An investigation is ongoing.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Francisco Cinto. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 235 people were injured in Mission Viejo car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 152 deaths and 13,414 injuries were reported as a result of Orange County car accidents during the same year.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
It appears from the report that the fatally injured driver of the Corolla had to turn on his hazards and could not get over to the shoulder. It also seems that the driver of the Tahoe was travelling behind another vehicle and did not see the Corolla in time to avoid the collision. It’s possible that the driver of the Tahoe was travelling too close behind the other vehicle to see that a car was stopped on the highway. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21703: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.”
Liability Issues
I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver of Tahoe was under the influence, distracted or traveling at an unsafe rate of speed at the time. Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
What precautions would you take if your vehicle is stalled on the freeway?
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.