California Injury Blog
A Garden Grove police cruiser was involved in a three-vehicle crash that sent four people to the hospital with injuries. According to a City News Service report, the crash occurred the afternoon of Oct. 26 at the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Haster Street. The police vehicle was eastbound on Chapman passing through a green light when it was struck by a vehicle whose driver ran a red light, police officials said. The collision caused the police vehicle to spin out of control and slam into a third car carrying three people.
The woman who was driving that car, along with a 16-year-old and a toddler riding with her were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as was the police officer. The driver who ran the red light wasn’t injured. No arrests or citations were reported. The California Highway Patrol is investigating this crash.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was involved in this car accident. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
The Danger of Red Light Running
Red-light runners cause hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2018, 846 people were killed in crashes involving red-light running nationwide. About half of those killed were pedestrians, bicyclists, and people in other vehicles who were hit by red-light runners. In 2018, about 139,000 people were injured in red-light running crashes in the United States.
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of one of these three vehicles ran a red light, triggering this collision. It is illegal to not stop for a red light at a street intersection under California law. California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Compensation for Victims
Injured victims who have been affected by car accidents involving red-light runners can seek compensation for the damages they have suffered including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced Orange County car accident lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/10/26/4-people-including-police-officer-hurt-in-garden-grove-crash/