At least two people were injured in an Orange County car accident after an elderly driver ran a red light at a street intersection. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury collision occurred at the intersection of Commonwealth and Basque avenues in Fullerton, the afternoon of June 12, 2011. Fullerton police say the driver of a Cadillac, a man in his late 70s, traveling westbound on Commonwealth ran a red light and was struck by an SUV at the intersection.
The impact of the collision pushed the Cadillac onto nearby train tracks. City workers helped pull the driver from the vehicle before an Amtrak train hit it. Both, the driver of the Cadillac and the driver of the SUV sustained non-life-threatening injuries. There were about 200 passengers in the train, but no one was injured. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the injured victims of this crash. If the details of this news report are accurate, it is indeed fortunate that no one in the train was injured. I wish the victims 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), there were four fatalities and 743 injuries involving Fullerton car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.
Possible Red Light Violation
Based on this news report it appears that a red light runner triggered the collision. 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."
Fault and Liability
If the elderly driver of the Cadillac is determined to have been at fault, then, he could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused to other victims – be it the driver of the other vehicle or any of the train passengers. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other damages.
Victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to car accident victims and their families.
Seriously injured in an Orange County Amtrak train 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 Fullerton street intersection 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.
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