California Injury Blog
A 14-year-old boy suffered severe injuries in a Fullerton car accident after the vehicle in which he was a passenger crashed into a tree. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the major injury collision occurred early morning on March 26, 2012 in the 1000 block of North Gilbert Street near Hughes Drive. Police say the 18-year-old driver of the Toyota Corolla was speeding while traveling southbound on Gilbert. He lost control of the car and crashed into a tree on the wrong side of the street. The road was also slick from heavy rain at the time. The driver managed to exit the vehicle, but the younger boy was trapped in the wreckage. He was freed by firefighters and transported to an area trauma center in critical condition. An investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the young victim of this car accident. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 761 injuries involving Fullerton car accidents. Also, during the same year, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured due to Orange County car accidents.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news account, the young driver of the Toyota was traveling at a high rate of speed on the wet roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
I trust officials are looking into whether alcohol or drugs played a part in this collision. If the driver is determined to have been reckless or negligent, he can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused, in addition to facing criminal charges. In such cases injured victims or their families would be well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.