Right-of-Way Issues Involved in La Canada Car Accident

Police in La Canada believe that a driver's failure to yield right-of-way may have caused a car accident the morning of April 13, 2010 resulting in injuries to both drivers who were involved. The La Canada Valley Sun reports that the crash occurred on the Angeles Crest Highway at Milmada Drive. A Lexus sedan that was northbound on the highway was hit by a pickup truck turning left onto Angeles Crest from Milmada. Both drivers were transported to an area hospital. Police say it appears that the driver of the pickup truck may have failed to yield right-of-way to the Lexus.

I wish both the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. They will be in my prayers. It is indeed fortunate that this accident did not result in catastrophic injuries.

Accident Statistics

In Los Angeles County, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident records. In La Canada-Flintridge, 62 people were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Yielding Right-of-Way

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the pickup truck may have failed to yield right-of-way to the Lexus in the process of making a left turn. According to California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a): "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Liability Issues

The at-fault driver in an accident is usually held liable for the accident and injuries/damages caused as a result of the accident. Injured victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, hospitalization and rehabilitation costs as well as lost earnings. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will ensure that the victims' rights are protected and the negligent parties are held accountable in such cases.

Which street intersections are the most dangerous in your city? What, do you believe, can be done to improve these dangerous intersections?

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.