Five people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident the afternoon of June 15, 2010. According to a news report in the Pasadena Star-News, the four-vehicle injury collision occurred at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Mountain Street in Pasadena. Five people were hospitalized with injuries of which, two were seriously injured, two suffered moderate injuries and one sustained minor injuries. One vehicle rolled over. One of the victims had to be extricated from the wreckage by firefighters. Pasadena police officials are investigating the cause of the accident.

I sympathize with the injured victims in this case. I wish them all the very best for a quick and full recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight deaths and 978 injuries involving car accidents in Pasadena. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Based on this news report, it is not clear which one of the drivers caused this injury collision. However, the article states that the collision did occur at a street intersection. In such cases, it is quite likely that one of the vehicles ran a red light or failed to yield right-of-way. I trust officials are attempting to determine what happened here and why.

Right-of-Way 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." Running a red light is also a serious traffic violation under the California Vehicle Code.

The driver who is eventually found at fault for this collision could also be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused to the other crash victims. In addition to compensation for property damage, victims could also seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages.

Liability Issues in Accident Cases

Victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine if there was a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway, which caused or contributed to the collision. 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 agency must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

What are some of the most dangerous intersections in your city or neighborhood?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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