A car accident in Visalia resulted in injuries for five people on August 7, 2010. The Paso Robles Press reports that the accident happened when Megan M. Lira, lost control of her Chevy Malibu while driving in the westbound lane of Highway 46. California Highway Patrol officials say she hit the brakes to stop from rear-ending a Chevrolet pickup truck, and lost control of the car. The pickup truck had slowed ahead of Lira's car. The Malibu then swerved into the eastbound lanes and struck a Chevy Silverado driven by Paul Greidanus. Lira and three of her passengers were injured. One of the children in her car sustained major injuries. Greidanus also sustained neck injuries. Officials are looking into what caused Lira to lose control of her vehicle.

I hope no one suffered catastrophic injuries in this car accident. I pray that all the injured victims recover quickly and completely.

There were 65 fatalities and 1,724 injuries reported in 2008 as a result of car accidents in Tulare County, according to California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Visalia, seven people died and 492 sustained personal injuries due to car accidents in 2008.

Causes and Compensation

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear why Lira was unable to slow down in time to avoid the crash. Officials say she braked hard because a vehicle ahead of her was slowing down. Was Lira traveling at an unsafe speed given the traffic conditions on the highway? Was she impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time? It is also important here to determine if there was any negligence on the part of the driver of the Chevy pickup truck who had slowed down suddenly.

The motorist who is determined to have been at fault for this collision could be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused to the other victims.

In these types of accidents, where there are several vehicles and several victims involved, the injured victims and their families would be well-served to consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will remain on their side and fight for their rights. It is in the best interests of the victims that they do not talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other parties. Also, please remember not to sign any papers or enter into a settlement without first talking to your car accident lawyer. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

How much distance do you keep between yourself and the car in front of you on the highway?

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.

Bookmark and Share