A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy and another man sustained injuries in an August 17, 2009 Los Angeles car accident after their cars collided at a street intersection in West Covina, California. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the two cars crashed when the deputy tried to make a left turn on to Vincent Avenue from Cypress Avenue. The patrol car, which witnesses say did not have lights or sirens at the time, collided with a Honda driven by a 21-year-old West Covina man.

Both the deputy and the other driver were taken to a local hospital. The deputy was traveling west on Cypress when he made a U-turn just past Vincent and got into the left-turn lane facing east. When the deputy attempted to turn left onto Vincent, his car collided with the 1995 Honda Civic. Officials are still investigating the incident.

I'm relieved that no one suffered life-threatening injuries in this Covina car accident. I wish both the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 134 injuries involving car accidents in Covina, California. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2007.

In this case, the critical question is who had right-of-way. Based on the newspaper report, it appears that the Honda had the right-of-way. The deputy, it seems to me, did not see the Honda coming through the intersection. If that was in fact the case, the deputy and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department could be held liable for the car crash and resulting injuries.

Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney

The victim would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of this accident, determine who was at fault and make sure the negligent parties are held responsible. If a dangerous roadway or intersection caused or contributed to the crash the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.

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