Three people were injured, one seriously, in a San Diego car accident after a compact car collided with a transit bus at a street intersection in El Cajon. According to a 10news report, the car and a Metropolitan Transit System coach crashed into each other at Douglas and Van Houten avenues the morning of January 4, 2010. Firefighters had to use heavy equipment to free the severely injured motorist from the wreckage. The driver was not breathing and was unconscious at the time. Two bus passengers were also taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

My heart goes out to this seriously injured victim. I sincerely hope this person did not sustain catastrophic injuries and wish the victim the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep this victim in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three fatalities and 583 injuries were reported involving car accidents in El Cajon. In San Diego County as a whole, 268 deaths and 14,641 injuries occurred in 2007 as a result of car accidents.

Car Accident Laws and Liability Issues

In this bus accident, it appears either the bus driver or the driver of the smaller vehicle may have run a red light or failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection. Running a red light is a serious traffic violation. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."
It will be critical to find out who was at fault for the collision. If the driver of the car ran the red light or failed to yield right-of-way, then he or she could be held liable for the injuries caused to the bus passengers. If the bus driver ran the red light then he or she, as well as the transit authority could be held liable. Bus operators -- whether they are public or private carriers -- owe their passengers the highest "duty of care." This means that they are responsible for transporting passengers safely to their destination.

The injured victims in this case would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation, identify the negligent parties and make sure the victims' legal rights are protected here. In any accident, it is vital that injured victims not talk to insurance adjusters, sign any settlement agreements or discuss the incident with other attorneys before they retain and talk to their own personal injury lawyer.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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