Street intersection accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Very often, these accidents are caused as a result of someone's recklessness, negligence or inattention. Recently, a car accident in Riverside involving several vehicles at a street intersection led to the death of 33-year-old Armando Garcia, The Press Enterprise reports. The deadly crash happened at the intersection of Sanderson and Florida avenues in Hemet. Garcia died at the scene. One other person was taken to an area hospital with major injuries while several others were taken to various local hospitals with unknown injuries.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Armando Garcia. I offer my deepest condolences to them for their tragic and heartbreaking loss.

Car Accidents

Countywide in Riverside, 220 people died and 8,561 were injured due to car accidents in 2008, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Hemet, seven deaths and 416 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Yielding Right-of-Way

Based on this report, it is not clear how this accident occurred or who caused it. But it seems to me that one of the drivers either ran the red light or failed to yield right-of-way at this intersection. Both red-light running and failure to yield right-of-way are serious traffic violations under California law. 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."

Liability Issues

Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other damages. An experienced California personal injury attorney will advise injured victims, and families of deceased victims, about their legal rights and options and help them secure fair compensation for their injuries, damages and losses.

What are the biggest 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.