A car accident in Tuolumne County resulted in possibly serious injuries for six people the evening of August 26, 2010. The Union Democrat reports that the injury collision occurred on Highway 108 near Draper Mine Road and was triggered by a rear-end collision. CHP officials say 20-year-old Kathryn Wood struck a Ford Escape driven by Mary Lamendola, 55. The impact from the collision caused Lamendola's car to go out of control and crash into a Buick Rendezvous driven by 72-year-old Richard Green. The incident is under investigation.
Traffic Accident Statistics
There were three fatalities and 342 injuries as a result of car accidents in Tuolumne County in 2008, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, in the unincorporated areas of the county, three people died and 272 sustained personal injuries in 2008.
Fault and Liability
If this news report is accurate, it appears the two drivers initially involved in the collision give differing accounts of the events leading to the crash. However, based on this news report, it seems that the accident was triggered by Wood rear-ending Lamendola's vehicle. Investigators are possibly looking into why Wood struck the vehicle from behind. Was she distracted, speeding, impaired or inattentive at the time?
California Vehicle Code Section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."
If Wood is determined to have been at fault for this accident, she could be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused to the victims. Victims in such cases would benefit from a consultation with a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to an incident involving an at-fault motorist who is uninsured or underinsured.
Have you ever been hit by a driver who was following too closely?
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.
