Deadly Car Crash on Rose Marie Lane
On Thursday, April 8, 2021, a woman lost her life following an automobile accident on Rose Marie Lane in Stockton, California. Another person involved in the crash sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
CBS Sacramento reported that the tragedy occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. when one vehicle was traveling westbound on Rose Marie Lane, and another was exiting a parking lot in the same area and the two vehicles collided with each other. First responders were quickly dispatched to the scene. Both drivers were found to have sustained injuries in the crash, and both were transported to the hospital.
Sadly, the driver that had been pulling out of the parking lot, a 59-year-old woman, later succumbed to her injuries. The other driver was hospitalized.
Following the crash, Rose Marie Lane was shut down for a period of time so that investigators could gather evidence. The cause of the accident, along with the names of the involved parties, have not yet be released to the public.
Exiting a Business Driveway – California Law
Car accidents frequently happen when one driver is pulling out from a driveway or parking area into through traffic. California law, specifically Vehicle Code, Section 21804, requires that all drivers exiting a driveway yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles that are close enough that contact could occur.
In some cases, the driver on the through street may be speeding, which could contribute to the crash. Under California Vehicle Code, Section 22350, all vehicle operators are restricted from driving faster than is safe for conditions.
Determining Fault
When an accident occurs that involves a person exiting a driveway into oncoming traffic, in most cases, that driver will bear the largest portion of liability (fault). It is the responsibility of the person exiting the driveway and entering the thoroughfare to ensure that they have sufficient time and space to do so safely. This is true even in an instance where a vehicle or vehicles in certain lanes stop to let the driver out, and a driver in a different lane does not stop and crashes into the exiting vehicle. In general, this is an unsafe scenario that should be avoided due to the decreased ability of the exiting driver to ensure that all lanes are stopped. Again, the driver exiting the driveway must ensure that all lanes of traffic that he or she will be entering are clear before proceeding.
If there are witnesses to the accident that state that the through-traffic driver was speeding, driving erratically, distracted, or a combination of those factors, it could be determined that the through-driver was at fault, or at least that they share a portion of the fault.
Drivers also need to be on the lookout for pedestrians when they are exiting a business driveway. Watch the YouTube video below that touches on this subject.
Stockton, California Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello – I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. We are always saddened to report on local car accidents that result in lives lost. We look forward to the day that vehicle technologies make great reductions in the number of collisions on our roadways. Until then, we will continue to advocate on behalf of the injured, and on behalf of grieving families who have lost a loved one. The days, weeks, and months following a serious car crash can be overwhelming. Finding a skilled injury lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the matter can be a great source of relief. We can ensure that your rights are protected, and your financial compensation is maximized. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, please call us for free and friendly advice. Our local number is (209) 227-1931, and our toll-free line for those calling from outside the local region is (800) 404-5400.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/roses-pink-roses-flowers-1463562/
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