Thomas Richard Pruett, 53, suffered serious spinal cord injuries in a San Bernardino County car accident when a Toyota Scion missed a curve and struck his vehicle. According to a news report in The Press Enterprise, the head-on collision occurred along San Timoteo Canyon Road in Redlands, the afternoon of June 25, 2012. Officials say a 25-year-old Moreno Valley woman failed to negotiate a turn before crossing the double-yellow line and striking the Pruett’s vehicle.
Two good Samaritans freed Pruett from his car as it caught fire. He suffered a fractured spine, broken bones and a collapsed lung. According to the report, he is expected to recover in approximately six months. It is not clear if the woman responsible for his injuries will be cited for the incident.
My thoughts and prayers are with Thomas Richard Pruett, who sustained major injuries in this crash. I wish him the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), five people were killed and 467 were injured in Redlands car accidents. During that same year, there were 223 fatalities and 7,870 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in San Bernardino County.
What Caused This Serious Injury Accident?
Based on the news article, the woman responsible for causing this crash failed to maintain her lane and crossed into oncoming traffic. California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a) states: “Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.” I trust officials are looking into whether the woman was speeding, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time.
Liability Issues
If the driver of the Toyota Scion is determined to have been at fault, she could be held liable for Pruett’s injuries. Victims in such cases can seek compensation for cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. Click here to obtain more information about how to get a free consultation with an injury attorney.
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