Anaheim Car Accident Caused by Red Light Violation
Anaheim Car Accident Caused by Red Light Violation
A man was hospitalized with injuries after the driver of a truck ran a red light and slammed into him at an intersection in Anaheim. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred the evening of April 18, 2016, at the intersection of Katella Avenue and South Douglass Road. Witnesses told police that the truck driver was eastbound on Katella Avenue when he ran a red light and crashed into a silver sedan going north.
Witnesses also told police that the driver of the truck was speeding. Rescue personnel used the Jaws of Life to free the driver of the sedan and took him to an area trauma center with non-life-threatening injuries. No charges or citations were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victim. We wish the injured driver the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 18 deaths and 2,244 injuries reported as a result of Anaheim car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 165 people died and 13,837 were injured due to traffic accidents during the same year.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report it appears that the driver of the truck was not only traveling at a high rate of speed but also ran a red light at the intersection and struck the victim’s car. Under California Vehicle Code 21453(a): “A driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked 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.”
If the driver of the truck is determined to have been speeding and/or running the red light, in addition to criminal charges or citations, he could also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Anaheim personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.
