Authorities have identified a woman killed in a multi-vehicle car accident in Anaheim as 46-year-old Isabel Tizapan Ortega. The Orange County Register reports that Ortega's daughter sustained critical injuries in this July 15, 2010 street intersection crash. Anaheim police say the accident occurred at the intersection of East Miraloma Avenue and North Blue Gum Street when a 2005 Nissan sedan driven by Tizapan was struck by a 1997 blue Chevy pickup truck. The Nissan was headed north on Blue Gum and the Chevy pickup truck was going east on Miraloma.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Isabel Tizapan Ortega for their tremendous loss. I also hope that her daughter makes it through her critical injuries, and makes a complete recovery. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Who Had Right-of-Way?
Based on this news report, it appears that officials are looking into right-of-way issues. Who had the right-of-way at that intersection? Did one of the drivers run a red light? Did one of them fail to yield right-of-way at the intersection? I trust officials are asking these questions in order to determine which one of the drivers was at fault for this fatal car accident.
Laws and Liability Issues
According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway." Also, 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."
In such cases, victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation, analyze all aspects of the incident, and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the crash. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any such claim against a California governmental entity must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury.
What are some of the most dangerous roadways or intersections in your city?
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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