An elderly man was killed and five others sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of July 5, 2010. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the accident occurred at the intersection of East Orange Grove Boulevard and East Sierra Madre Boulevard after one of the drivers ran a red light. The elderly man was a passenger in one of the cars. He was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries and died soon after, Pasadena fire officials said. The deceased victim's driver, a 34-year-old woman, was also seriously injured. Four others sustained less severe injuries. An investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this fatally injured victim. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I also pray that the injured victims here make a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight deaths and 978 injuries involving car accidents in Pasadena. In Los Angeles County, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Red Light Running
Based on this news report, it appears that this street intersection accident was the result of one of the drivers running a red light. 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 it is determined that one of the drivers was at fault, then, he or she could be held liable for the wrongful death here, and for the injuries caused to the others. I trust officials are also looking into whether the driver who ran the red light was impaired, distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent at the time of the accident.
The family of the deceased victim in this case can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
Do you think red light cameras help curb red light running at intersections?
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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