Debris on Freeway Causes San Diego Car Accident
A dresser in traffic lanes caused a San Diego car accident in which one driver sustained injuries. According to a news report in the North County Times, the crash occurred the night of March 1, 2010, when a big rig's driver suddenly slowed down after he spotted the piece of furniture in the lanes of the 15 Freeway, in Escondido. However, a 17-year-old female driver of a Toyota that was following the large truck could not stop in time to avoid a collision. California Highway Patrol officials said the teen driver was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. The hood of the Toyota was jammed under the rear of the big rig. Eyewitnesses said the dresser had fallen out of a burgundy colored pickup earlier, but that driver did not stop or notify officials.
It is indeed fortunate that no one was seriously injured in this car accident. The injuries to this young driver could have been a lot worse. I wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
San Diego Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, 10 fatalities and 732 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Escondido. In San Diego County as a whole, 246 deaths and 13,527 injuries occurred due to car accidents in 2008.
Law Relating to Debris on Roadways
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver who dropped the dresser in the traffic lanes was at fault for causing this accident. California law prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping matter on the highway. California Vehicle Code section 23112 (a) states: "No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind."
Claim for Compensation
In cases where car accidents are caused by debris on the freeway, the person (or in many cases, firms/companies) that were responsible for dropping the debris on the roadway can be held liable for the accidents and resulting injuries. Individuals who are injured in such car accidents would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled roadway debris cases. A skilled car accident lawyer should inform victims and their families how their car insurance policy will apply to such roadway accidents.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
