Seven Injured in San Diego County Car Accident
Seven people were injured in a San Diego car accident involving multiple vehicles. According to a news report in U-T San Diego, the multi-vehicle collision occurred on the eastbound Interstate 8 in Alpine, the night of January 7, 2012. California Highway Patrol Officials say a wooden table fell off a pickup causing an SUV and a sedan to collide. Another two vehicles collided a minute later and one witness stated that a tire on one vehicle exploded as well. The injuries suffered by the seven victims appear to have been non-life-threatening. It is not clear if anyone will be cited for the pile-up. An investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this San Diego accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and quick recovery.
San Diego Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 76 people were killed and 2,268 were injured as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Throughout San Diego County, there were 217 fatalities and 12,998 injuries reported as a result of car accidents, during that same year.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news report, this collision was caused by debris on the roadway. California law prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping debris 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.” I trust investigators are considering all possible causes of this crash. Were any of the motorists speeding or driving distracted? Were any of the motorists following too closely?
Liability Issues
Victims of multiple vehicle collisions would be well advised to protect their rights and best interests by contacting an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer. Car accidents involving multiple drivers, vehicles and victims often result in inadequate settlements and denied claims. Investigations in these cases can become complex. A skilled car accident attorney will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that the at-fault driver is held accountable and the injured victim receives fair compensation for the damages he or she has suffered.