California Injury Blog
Two women, ages 42 and 18, were killed in a Pasadena car accident, which occurred at a street intersection. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of El Molino Avenue and Maple Street early morning on January 12, 2012. Police say a Chevy Impala traveling north on El Molino and a Kia Optima heading west on Maple Street collided. The Kia broadsided the Impala. The driver and front passenger of the Impala died at the scene.
The vehicle’s three backseat passengers, two men and a woman, were critically injured. The 19-year-old Pasadena man driving the Kia was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police said his passenger, a 20-year-old Pasadena man, suffered minor injuries. No one has been cited or arrested. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Neighbors say drivers often speed through the intersection where this collision occurred and said they wish the city would install dips to slow down vehicles.
We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the two fatally wounded victims. We also wish those injured the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 12 fatalities and 823 injuries were reported as a result of traffic accidents in the city of Pasadena. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 585 people died and 50,917 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news report, it appears that the collision occurred at a street intersection that is monitored by traffic lights. It is unclear whether one of the drivers sped through the intersection or failed to yield the right of way to the other vehicle. There are a number of other questions here as well. Were alcohol or drugs a factor in this collision? Did speed or reckless driving play a part? Was one of the drivers distracted? Did a dangerous roadway condition cause or contribute to this incident?
Protecting Victims’ Rights
In such cases, it is critical that victims or their families seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. A knowledgeable Pasadena car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to the incident. In those cases, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can be liable as well.