Four people were injured in a Costa Mesa car accident after three vehicles collided on the freeway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred the morning of July 21, 2011 on the northbound 405 Freeway near the 55 Freeway. The accident involved a Toyota Tundra, a Ford Expedition and a Scion xB. Two patients were transported to an area medical center with traumatic injuries and two others sustained relatively minor injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
My heart goes out to all the injured victims of this car accident. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 785 injuries involving Costa Mesa car accidents. During the same year, Orange County car accidents claimed 152 lives and injured 13,414 people.
What Causes This Crash?
Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why this injury collision occurred. Was this the result of a rear-end collision? Did one of the drivers make an unsafe lane change? Was one of the drivers impaired, distracted, inattentive or otherwise negligent at the time? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.
Laws and Liability Issues
A number of chain reaction collisions on our freeways occur because of vehicles following too closely or making unsafe lane changes. California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: "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."
Also, California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."
In such cases, at-fault motorists can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Costa Mesa car accident lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.
Seriously injured in an Orange County multi-car accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Costa Mesa car accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a BISNAR | CHASE Orange County personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.
SLS Consulting