California Injury Blog
A man suffered injuries in an Orange County car accident after another vehicle made an unsafe left turn in front of him. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the accident occurred the afternoon of November 10, 2009 at the intersection of Newport Avenue and Macy Drive in Tustin, California, when a Chevy Equinox crashed into a Corvette while making the turn, and pushed the sports car into a concrete light pole. The rear half of the Corvette was crushed by the collapsed pole that nearly split it into two. California Highway Patrol officials say the driver of the Chevy Equinox was at fault for making an unsafe left turn into the path of the Corvette. The injured driver of the Corvette, who has not been identified yet, was taken to a local hospital. The condition of the other driver is not known.
I sympathize with the driver of the Corvette, who was apparently injured because of someone else’s negligent driving. I hope his injuries were not major and that he makes a quick and complete recovery. The news report’s photograph of the Corvette split in half is enough to send a chill down anyone’s spine. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.
Orange County Car Accident Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 392 injuries reported in Tustin as a result of car accidents. Countywide, car accidents claimed 178 lives and injured 14,185 people in 2007.
If this news report is accurate, it seems to me that the driver of the Equinox was at fault and could be held financially responsible for the accident and resulting injuries and damages.
California Car Accident Laws
California law is very specific about the requirements for drivers making a left turn or a U-turn. 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.”
In such cases, seriously injured car accident victims would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney who will follow up with the official investigation, identify the negligent parties and hold them accountable. If a driver’s negligence is determined to have caused the accident and resulting injuries then, he or she could be held liable. If a dangerous condition on the roadway or intersection caused this injury crash, then the city or the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
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.