According to the Orange County Register, the woman who may have been responsible for a five-car pileup died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the Orange auto accident. Several other motorists were also injured in the crash. Xuan Tran, 30, allegedly ran a red light at East Taft Avenue and Tustin Street, according to Orange police. The car accident occurred around 11:00 a.m., and involved five vehicles by the time the collisions were over. According to Orange police, Tran was the

KTLA news has reported a police cruiser, believed to be on its way to a shooting in Inglewood, was involved in a deadly crash early Tuesday.  At about 1:00 a.m. this morning, the Inglewood police vehicle was involved in a collision with a Range Rover at Prairie Avenue and Manchester Boulevard, near the Forum.  According to the report, an unidentified female passenger in the Range Rover was killed in the accident, and two officers were injured.  It is not yet known who was at fault for this tragic automobile accident.

See the KTLA news story HERE.

As for the operation of the Inglewood Police unit, under California law the police are not permitted to drive with impunity from the moment they activate their sirens and flashing lights. Even though the Vehicle Code sets out certain protections for law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, the law does not relieve the driver of a police vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.  A police officer operating his vehicle in the line of duty must drive in such a manner as would not impose upon others an unreasonable risk of harm.   Generally speaking, the question is whether the officer acted as a reasonable, prudent emergency driver under all of the circumstances, including that of the emergency.  In the case above, it remains to be seen what caused the tragic accident that took the female passenger’s life, but an analysis of responsibility must take into account the law above.

Compensation for the victims of emergency vehicle accidents, caused by the operator’s negligence, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a police officer or other public employee negligently causes a traffic accident and serious injuries or death result, the public entity should be held accountable.  An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including those for wrongful death.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an automobile accident involving a public employee?

•  Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.  This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

A 67-year-old Bloomington man was killed Wednesday night after being struck by an automobile that town.  According to San Bernardino County coroner's officials, Victor Silva was struck about 7:15 p.m. by a 2002 Toyota Corolla traveling north on Cedar Avenue near 10th Street.  The victim was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where he died from the injuries sustained.  The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the accident.

 http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_D_webbloomington.1c3558f.html

In the case above, the cause of the pedestrian accident is still under investigation.  In reviewing collisions such as this, the respective duties of driver and pedestrian should be kept in mind.  Since the operator of a motor vehicle controls the deadly instrumentality, the greater duty of observation and accident avoidance is theirs.  At the same time, a pedestrian does share the same duty to keep a reasonable lookout for motor vehicles and other dangers when crossing the street.   Here, the accident occurred at night and questions will surround the use of headlights and perception/reaction time.  For example, in general, low beam headlights illuminate the roadway ahead about 100 feet in front of the driver.  At 25 miles per hour, a driver is traveling roughly 38 feet per second, and, if the driver can see a pedestrian in the intersection from that same 100 feet, then he would have at least two seconds to perceive the danger and react, which should be more than enough time.

Compensation for pedestrian victims of traffic accidents, caused by a driver’s negligence, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver operates their vehicle carelessly and strikes a pedestrian, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County trial lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 19 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian/intersection accident?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.  This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.