California Injury Blog
A car accident in Temecula left one person dead and two others injured the evening of February 23, 2017. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Leena and Montelegro ways. Police said they arrived on scene to find two vehicles – a BMW and a Mercedes – involved in a broadside crash. The driver of one of the vehicles, a woman, was pronounced dead at the scene while a passenger, also a woman and the other driver were both taken to the hospital. The passenger was in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing. No arrests or citations were reported.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family members of the deceased victim. We also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were eight fatalities and 484 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in the city of Temecula. In Riverside County as a whole, 208 people died and 7,329 were injured due to traffic accidents during the same year.
Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that this accident occurred at a T-intersection. Traffic turning onto to Montelegro from Leena has a stop sign, but through traffic on Montelegro doesn’t. It is unclear if the vehicle that was turning from Leena Way failed to stop at the stop sign. We trust officials are also looking into the speed at which the other vehicle was traveling.
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. According to California Vehicle Code section 21802 (a): “The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety.”
Liability Issues
In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death seek compensation for their losses as well. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.