Two people were injured in a San Bernardino car accident after two cars collided at a Joshua Tree intersection. According to a news report in the Hi Desert Star, the broadside car crash occurred the morning of March 16, 2010, when Brianna Batross was driving an Audi sedan and had stopped at the intersection of northbound Hill View Road and Twentynine Palms Highway. Michelle Lamore was driving her Pontiac minivan east in the highway's slow lane, near Hill View. California Highway Patrol officials say Batross failed to yield right-of-way and proceeded through the intersection. Lamore was not able to stop in time to avoid the collision. Both, Lamore and her passenger were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.

It is indeed fortunate that this broadside crash did not result in serious injuries for the occupants of either vehicle. I wish Lamore and her passenger the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

San Bernardino Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 107 deaths and 1,925 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 263 lives and caused 8,504 injuries during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Audi, Batross, failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection. California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a) states: "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield right-of-way to any vehicle, which has entered the intersection from a different highway."

Fault and Liability

If Batross is determined to have been at fault for this accident, she could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. If there was a dangerous condition on this roadway, which caused or contributed to this accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. According to California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to get prompt medical treatment and contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the accident and make sure the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.

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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