Two people -- 35-year-old Victor Diaz and 56-year-old Phillip Coston -- were killed and four were injured in a San Francisco car accident that occurred near midnight on April 16, 2010. According to a news report in the Contra Costa Times, the car crash happened at the intersection of Buchanan Road and Brookside Drive, in Pittsburg, California. Pittsburg police officials said a Ford traveling east on Buchanan tried to make a left turn onto Brookside, and in front of an oncoming Dodge.
The Dodge attempted to avoid the collision, but ended up striking the rear of the Ford and then went into a nearby tree. Diaz, the driver of the Dodge died. Coston, a passenger in the Ford, was also killed in the crash. The driver of the Ford fled the scene and is still at large. The driver, when apprehended, will face felony hit-and-run and possible vehicular manslaughter charges, officials said.
My heart goes out to the families of Diaz and Coston, who were both killed in this horrific hit-and-run crash. Please keep them your thoughts and prayers.
Left Turn Law
If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Ford, who still remains unidentified, may have made an illegal left turn in front of the Dodge. According to California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a): "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."
Leaving the Scene of a Crash
In this case, the driver also fled the scene of the crash, which is a serious crime under California law. California Vehicle Code section 20001 states: "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."
Pursuing Their Rights
In such cases, where negligence or wrongdoing may have been involved, families of deceased car accident victims could file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The best San Francisco personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
What precautions do you take when you prepare to make a left turn at an intersection?
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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