Two people sustained major injuries in a San Francisco car accident the morning of March 14, 2010 after two vehicles collided head-on on Highway 1 in Mendocino County. According to a news report in The Press Democrat, the crash occurred when a Honda CRV SUV traveling south on the highway veered into a northbound Mazda pickup truck. The driver of the Honda sustained major injuries, as did the driver of the Mazda, who was identified as 51-year-old Daniel Stone. The two drivers were airlifted to an area hospital. Kathy Stone, 53, a passenger in the Mazda, was also taken to a hospital with abdominal pain, but the extent of her injuries is not known.
My heart goes out to all the injured victims in this case. I hope and pray that they recover quickly and completely. Please keep them in your prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 25 fatalities and 357 injuries in the unincorporated areas of Mendocino County involving car accidents. Also, countywide, 26 deaths and 439 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Mendocino County in 2008.
Causes and Liability Issues
This news report does not clearly state how or why this head-on collision occurred. There are more questions than answers here. Was the driver of the Honda SUV intoxicated at the time of the collision? Was the driver distracted right before the collision? Was the driver of the Honda speeding? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the Honda that caused the driver to lose control and strike the Mazda? Were any other vehicles involved? For instance, was the Honda forced out of its lane by another car?
If this car accident is determined to have been the fault of the Honda driver, then he or she can be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. In such cases, victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, hospitalization costs, loss of wages, surgery expenses, rehabilitation and even long-term care costs.
Seriously injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to explain to victims and their families how their car insurance policy applies to an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
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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