Two people were injured in an Orange County car accident after one vehicle rear-ended another on the 5 Freeway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the crash occurred when a Toyota pickup truck hit the back of a Chevy Express Van near State College Boulevard, in Orange, the morning of August 17, 2010. The pickup was equipped with a toolbox that burst open upon collision and paint containers opened and sprayed over the roadway and the victims. The driver of the Toyota pickup and a passenger in the truck were injured and transported to an area hospital.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this freeway crash. I wish the injured victims a speedy and complete recovery.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were nine fatalities and 823 injuries involving car accidents in Orange. In Orange County as a whole 152 people died and 13,414 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Laws

It is difficult to tell from this report what caused this accident. Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers following too close behind another vehicle or by distracted drivers. 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." California Vehicle Code section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."

Fault and Liability

If the driver of the Toyota pickup truck is determined to have caused this accident, he could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. The injured victim in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages because of inability to work, pain and suffering, property damage and so on. Injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will thoroughly analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. Please remember that in cases where the at-fault party is on-the-job, his employer can also be held liable.

What are some precautions you take on the freeway to avoid following vehicles too closely?

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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