A 16-year-old driver apparently caused a crash in in San Bernardino that wrecked three vehicles and sent five to the hospital. According to the Press Enterprise, the collision happened yesterday evening at about 6:45 p.m. when the teenager ran a red light at the intersection of Waterman Avenue and Ninth Street. The teen driver was reportedly speeding east in a Ford Excursion SUV when he failed to stop at a red light and collided head-on with a Honda Accord. The 16-year-old and the Honda's driver, 26-year-old Anselmo Barrajas, were taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center. The teen was listed in guarded condition, and Barrajas was in critical condition. The driver and the passengers in the third vehicle were transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton where they were treated for minor injuries and released.
See the Press Enterprise article HERE.
Once again, it appears a teen driver has caused an accident that is either a reflection of inexperience or recklessness. According to the report, the 16-year-old ran a red light at the intersection and hit another vehicle head-on. It is unknown whether excessive speed, alcohol or drugs played any role in the happening of the accident. Teen drivers are notorious for exercising poor judgment behind the wheel and getting into accidents that could have been avoided. While all of the facts of the above accident have yet to be revealed, tragic automobile collisions involving young and inexperienced drivers are all too common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2009, eight teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.
Compensation for the victims of serious or fatal automobile accidents caused by a teen or inexperienced driver should be an important concern for all Californians. When a teenager operates their vehicle carelessly or recklessly so as to cause a tragic accident like the one above, they should be held accountable. An Orange County auto accident lawyer with experience at handling traffic collision cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 21 years of experience handling Orange County personal injury cases, including those involving teen drivers. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been the victim of an inexperienced driver?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
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