A car accident in San Francisco the afternoon of May 8, 2010 left two drivers injured, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports. The injury collision occurred at the intersection of Brookwood Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown Santa Rosa. According to witnesses, a Subaru Legacy sedan sped through the intersection and broadsided a Jeep which then flipped at least twice. Both the drivers were taken to a local hospital. Officials said both sustained serious injuries.

My heart goes out to the injured victims and I wish them the very best for a quick and full recovery. Please keep them in your prayers. It is indeed fortunate that they did not suffer catastrophic injuries.

Car Accidents

In Sonoma County, 36 people died and 1,988 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008, according to CHP's traffic accident statistics. In Santa Rosa, eight deaths and 764 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2008.

Who Had the Right-of-Way?

Based on this news report, this broadside crash occurred at a street intersection, which means one of the drivers either failed to yield right-of-way or possibly ran a red light, both of which are serious traffic violations. I would be curious to find out whether impairment, speed, distractions or reckless driving played a part in this injury collision. According to California Vehicle Code section 21800 (a): "The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway." Running a red light is also a serious traffic violation under California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a).

Liability Issues

A reputed California personal injury lawyer in such cases will be able to advise injured victims about their legal rights and options. Victims will be able to claim compensation from the at-fault party for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain and suffering and other related damages. The best San Francisco personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

What preventive steps do you take as you drive through a street intersection?

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.