California Injury Blog
Two people suffered injuries in a Fullerton car crash after two Toyota sedans collided head-on at a street intersection. The Orange County Register reports that the injury collision occurred the morning of May 10, 2013 at the intersection of Bastanchury Road and Morelia Avenue. Fire officials say both drivers were treated at the scene and transported to an area trauma center. The nature and extent of the injured victims’ injuries is not known. The investigation is still ongoing.
OC Crash Statistics
There were five fatalities and 665 injuries reported as a result of Fullerton car accidents, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, 100 people died and 13,368 were injured due to car crashes during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the collision occurred at a T-intersection, which is regulated by traffic lights. There are still several unanswered questions here. How did the accident occur? Who was at fault? Did one of the drivers run a red light at the intersection? Did a driver fail to yield the right-of-way? Did speed, impairment or distraction play a part?
California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.” Also, According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): “The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.”
Fault and Liability
In such cases, the at-fault party can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Fullerton personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.
A knowledgeable lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous intersection caused or contributed to the incident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the incident.