Family of Five Injured in Ventura Car Accident
Christopher and Vanessa Dunne were seriously injured in a car accident the afternoon of May 26, 2010 after their car crashed into a tractor-trailer and got wedged underneath the big rig. The couple's three children -- ages 2, 4 and 6 -- escaped with moderate injuries and were safely extricated from the vehicle by firefighters, according to reports in The Daly Sound and Key News. The truck driver had apparently pulled onto the northbound shoulder of the Highway 101 to inspect the braking system when the Dunnes' Saturn sedan drifted off the roadway and crashed into the trailer. Christopher Dunne is said to be in critical condition and his wife is in serious condition at an area hospital. The truck driver was not injured.
My heart goes out to the family, especially the three children whose parents have sustained the most serious injuries in this truck accident. I hope and pray that the Dunnes recover quickly and completely from their injuries. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were 21 fatalities and 632 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, countywide, 623 people died and 3,785 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Cause of the Accident
Based on this news report, it is not clear how or why Christopher Dunne lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the back of the big rig. Was there an auto product defect or mechanical malfunction in the sedan? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this accident? Was the big rig parked legally on the shoulder of the freeway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues as they attempt to determine what led to this crash.
Truck Underride
An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to look into whether the tractor-trailer involved in this car accident complied with state and federal law in terms of installing rear impact guards to prevent these types of "truck underride" accidents. It would also be important to preserve the big rig and the sedan involved in this accident until accident reconstruction and biomechanical experts can conduct a thorough examination of both vehicles.
How do you drive safely around big rigs on the freeway?
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.
