A California Highway Patrol officer was injured in a Fresno area car accident when his patrol car was hit by a pickup truck the evening of January 16, 2011. According to a news report in the Fresno Bee, the injury car accident occurred at the intersection of 11th Avenue and West Florinda Street in Hanford. A Chevy Silverado that was making a left turn at the intersection struck the officer’s Ford Crown Victoria on the driver’s side. The officer sustained injuries including head trauma and distorted vision. The driver of the Silverado sustained back and neck injuries. Officials are looking into who was at fault for this car accident.
My thoughts and prayers are with both injured victims of this Hanford car accident. I wish them both the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four people were killed and 177 were injured in Hanford car accidents. During that same year, there were 24 fatalities and 529 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in Kings County.
The Law Relating to Left Turns
Based on this news report, it is not quite clear why this car accident occurred and which one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way. 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."
Liability Issues
If the driver of the pickup is determined to have been at fault here, he could be held liable for the injuries caused to the police officer. Since the officer was on the job at the time, he could also claim workers compensation benefits. On the other hand, if the officer was at fault, the other driver could file a claim against the police department, the officer's employer. Any such claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident, under California Government Code Section 911.2. The best California personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Seriously injured in a California 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 Hanford car accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a BISNAR | CHASE California personal injury attorney 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.
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