Antioch Car Accident
Conflicting stories in a recent Antioch car accident show how difficult it can be to prove fault in a car accident. This serves as a perfect example of where an experienced accident attorney can help.
Details of the Accident
On May 11th, two vehicles collided at the intersection of Lone Tree Way and a shopping center. A silver Hyundai Elantra was traveling westbound on Lone Tree Way and in the process of turning across traffic into a nearby Buffalo Wild Wings location. A maroon Nissan Murano travelling eastbound on Lone Tree Way then struck the Hyundai in the intersection.
The Antioch Police Department (APD), East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response (AMR) all responded to the accident. The drivers of both vehicles were transported by AMR ambulance to Kaiser Permanente’s Antioch location.
Injuries Sustained in the Accident
Preliminary reports indicate that both drivers suffered minor injuries, but no further details have been released. As Antioch personal injury lawyers, minor injuries, we see from this type of crash include cervical sprains also known as whiplash. Sometimes we see injuries from broken glass that cause facial lacerations.
Conflicting Reports of What Happened
Both drivers involved in the accident claim to have had a green light and therefore the right of way. This is not possible at the intersection of Lone Tree Way and the shopping center as it is not a place where drivers turning left only have to yield on green lights.
There were no witnesses to the accident and local security cameras did not catch the crash on tape. At this time, the Antioch police do not believe speed or alcohol played a role in the accident.
About Differing Reports in Accidents
Before we examine how fault is determined in these accidents, it is important to note that conflicting reports do not mean either party is lying. Memory can be a difficult thing, especially after a trauma like a car accident. Both drivers may legitimately remember having a green light.
Additionally, one or both of the drivers may have been tired as the accident occurred near midnight. Fatigue can be especially dangerous when driving and may cause errors in memory. A tired driver may not notice the actual color of the light and instead assume the light was green.
Determining Fault in Car Accidents
Determining fault in cases like this can be tricky. Accident reconstruction can help. Also, surveillance cameras in the area can show what color a light was at the time of the car accident.
If one of the drivers was breaking the law at the time of the accident and this law-breaking contributed to or caused the accident, that driver may be at fault for the accident. For example, if one of the drivers was found to be speeding, authorities may use this when determining who was at fault for the accident.
How a Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help
An Antioch car accident attorney can help in these situations by hiring independent investigators to reconstruct accidents and determine who is at fault. Antioch personal injury lawyers can also retain other experts and calculate the full cost of damages, including lost wages due to time off of work.
Antioch Personal Injury Lawyer
Hi, I’m Ed Smith and I am an Antioch personal injury lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call me at (925) 428-5220 for free, friendly advice. You may also call toll free at (800) 404-5400.
I handle cases involving personal injury and wrongful death exclusively.
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I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Please view some of my Past Verdicts and Settlements.
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