Nine people aboard a Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus were injured in a San Diego car accident after a Mitsubishi Eclipse ran a stop sign at a City Heights intersection and collided with the bus. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the car was southbound on 37th Street the afternoon of March 24, 2010, and ran the stop sign at University Avenue. The Mitsubishi then broadsided the bus, which was traveling east on University. There were 40 people on the bus, of which nine were injured.
Accident Causes Serious Injuries
Two of the victims were seriously injured. The driver of the Mitsubishi apparently tried to drive away from the scene, but the car stalled. So, he got off the car and fled on foot. Police found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle leading them to believe that he had been driving under the influence at the time of this car versus bus accident.
My heart goes out to these injured victims, especially the two people who were seriously injured in this crash. I wish all these victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. They will be in my prayers.
Several Violations of the Law
I trust the driver of the Mitsubishi, who apparently committed several violations of the law including hit-and-run, will be apprehended and brought to justice. If he is found guilty of the charges, he should be held both, criminally and civilly liable for his actions. If the details of the news report are accurate, this driver ran a stop sign, crashed into a city bus injuring several people and then fled the scene of a crash. Officials suspect he was also under the influence.
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."
Leaving the scene of an accident is also a serious crime under California law. According to California Vehicle Code section 20001: "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."
Justice for Injured Victims
Victims of this injury accident would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer, who will fight for their rights and hold the negligent parties accountable. Victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, treatment and other related expenses. If you have any information about this hit-and-run suspect, please call 1-800-6-Hit-N-Run (800-644-8678).
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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