Jeffrey Laird, 41, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after his vehicle collided with another vehicle at a Saugus intersection. According to a news report in The Signal, the fatal car collision occurred at the intersection of Plum Canyon Road and Santa Catarina Road the evening of May 1, 2010. Laird was traveling east on Plum Canyon when he attempted to turn left on Santa Catarina. His Scion xB collided with an oncoming Dodge Durango driven by 19-year-old Garrett Brixon. California Highway Patrol officials say Laird died at the scene. Brixon was transported to a local hospital with major injuries. Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to contact CHP's Newhall office at 661-294-5540.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey Laird for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 11 fatalities and 552 injuries were reported in Santa Clarita as a result of car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries occurred due to car accidents in 2008.
Fault and Liability
Based on this news report, it is not clear who had right-of-way at that intersection. Officials say Laird was making a left at the intersection. However, the report does not say whether Laird had a green arrow or green light at the time. If the through traffic had the green light, then Brixon would have had the right-of-way at the intersection. However, if Laird had a green arrow, then, Brixon should have yielded the right-of-way. If Brixon is determined to have been at fault for this fatal crash, then he could be held liable for Laird's death. On the other hand, if Laird was at fault, then Brixon could file a personal injury claim against Laird's estate and his insurance.
In such cases, injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous roadway condition caused or contributed to an accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
What kind of steps have you taken to make sure you and your loved ones are protected financially in the event of a car accident?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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Jas said:
Just to give you an update....not too sure where you get your information from but that was my brother n law who was killed in this accident....Less than a block away from his home....Yes there was a green arrow light!
Jamel said:
At this time, contrary to other comments left, no finalized report of the investigation has been released from the CHP.