Four people were injured in a Ventura car accident involving two cars the evening of February 15, 2010. The Ventura County Star reports that the major injury accident occurred at the intersection of Bardsdale Avenue and Sespe Street in Fillmore. Guillermo Andrade, 31, was driving west on Bardsdale and ran a stop sign at that intersection, California Highway Patrol officials said. His vehicle was then broadsided by a northbound vehicle carrying three people.
That vehicle's driver, 21-year-old Pedro Gomez sustained injuries. One passenger, 21-year-old Randolf Pattico sustained facial cuts while another passenger Alex Alverez, 21, suffered a puncture wound to his right thigh and a fractured right knee cap. Andrade, who was the most seriously injured, sustained a head injury and a fractured spine. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to everyone who was injured in this horrific collision. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, one fatality and 33 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Fillmore. In Ventura County as a whole, 63 people died and 3,785 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Running a Stop Sign
If the details of this news report are accurate, Andrade ran a stop sign at the intersection and caused the collision. If Andrade missed the stop sign because he was negligent or driving recklessly then he could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused to the three other victims.
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."
Liability Issues
If this accident was caused because of a dangerous condition on the roadway, for example, because the stop sign was not visible to motorists due to foliage or other obstructions, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. Victims in such cases, would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out more information about their legal rights and options.
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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