A car accident in Ventura resulted in serious injuries to two Sheriff's Department deputies and another driver after a vehicle and a squad car collided. The Ventura County Star reports that the injury collision occurred the night of April 17, 2010 on Highway 126 near Timber Canyon Road.

The news report identifies the two deputies as William Meixner and Beau Rodriguez. California Highway Patrol officials who are investigating the incident say the patrol car was going east on the highway when a pickup truck driven by 22-year-old Mayra Tellez, made a left turn in front of the patrol car from a driveway. Tellez was thrown out of the vehicle in the collision. Meixner, Tellez and her passenger, 27-year-old Jose Velasquez Diaz, all, sustained major injuries.

I sympathize with those who were injured in this accident and wish them well for a quick and complete recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Traffic Accidents

In Ventura County, there were reportedly 63 fatalities and 3,785 injuries involving car accidents in 2008, according to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, two fatalities and 76 personal injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Santa Paula during the same year.

Fault and Liability

It is not clear from this report how or why Tellez decided to pull out in front of the patrol vehicle. We do not know whether Tellez was under the influence, distracted or negligent in this case. It is also not clear whether a dangerous condition on the public roadway or the private driveway caused this accident. I trust CHP officials are examining these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here.

If Tellez is determined to have been at fault for causing the accident, she could be held financially liable for the accident and injuries caused. Victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and physical therapy. An experienced California personal injury lawyer who will advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are the toughest challenges you have faced in the aftermath of a car accident?

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.