One person was injured in a car crash in Temecula, which involved a chain-reaction collision. According to a report in the Southwest Riverside News Network, the accident occurred on the southbound Interstate 15 near Temecula Parkway, the morning of August 30, 2012. Traffic was slowed down to a stop. However, one driver failed to realize that the traffic was stopping and rammed into the back of another vehicle triggering a chain-reaction crash involving four vehicles. At least one person was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim of this crash. I wish this victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. It is indeed fortunate that no one was seriously injured in this chain-reaction collision.
Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 368 were injured as a result of Temecula car accidents. During the same year, 190 people died and 7,632 were injured due to Riverside County car accidents.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the chain-reaction collision occurred as the result of an inattentive or possibly distracted motorist who failed to slow down for stopped traffic. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
Also, California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.”
In this particular case, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Temecula personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.
SLS Consulting