Four People Injured in Berkeley Marin Circle Crash
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley car accident lawyer. A wrong way driver left four people injured on Marin Circle in Berkeley on Tuesday, September 26. At the present time, there is little information about the crash, however, an update was issued on September 28 by the Berkeley police.
Accident Details
The crash happened shortly before five in the afternoon when a Honda, descending a hill onto the circle went into oncoming traffic, hit a Fiat that was stopped at a cross street heading west along with a van. The impact caused the Fiat to collide with the van that was also traveling westbound. The Honda continued on, striking a Ford Explorer that was heading east on Marin, according to a Berkeley police representative.
Injuries and Property Damage
The Fiat sustain little damage, and the driver suffered no injuries. The Ford driver was transported to the Highland Hospital but released. An individual in the Fiat was transported to the Alta Bates medical facility and released after treatment was provided. The occupants of the Honda were also hospitalized at the same institution with injuries authorities said were not life-threatening. At the time of this report, there has been no word concerning the nature of the injuries.
Investigation
Police are still investigating the accident, and the use of drugs or alcohol has not been mentioned. The reason the wrong way driver swerved into oncoming traffic is being explored. Traffic was stopped while the police investigated the collision.
Who Has the Right-of-Way at an Intersection?
An intersection is described as the location where one street meets another and crosses. According to the Federal Highway Administration, intersection accidents reflect 45 percent of all crashes and approximately 21 percent of fatal ones.
Rules of engagement outlined in the California DMV manual explain how drivers should handle turns or passage through an intersection:
- Stop signs are different than signs to yield. If there are stop signs, don’t just slow down, stop before following the rules below.
If you are entering an intersection that lacks signage, slow down before crossing. If vehicles have already entered the intersection, they have the right-of-way. Pedestrians crossing the intersection do too.
If you and another driver reach the intersection simultaneously, the driver to the right goes first.
- If you turn right at an intersection, check first to see if any pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists may be attempting to cross.
- You must yield to any vehicle that arrives at the cross street before you do.
- Turning left at an intersection has different requirements. In such cases, you must yield to any vehicle that appears close enough to the intersection to pose a risk.
Roundabouts
According to the Department of Transportation in California, roundabouts are used to reduce speed and reduce CO2 emissions that are higher when a vehicle is waiting at a traffic light and idling. There are rules you must follow when using a roundabout.
- Slow down and assess traffic flow.
- Only enter the roundabout when traffic is such that you have a clear space to do so.
- Go counterclockwise around the roundabout.
- If you are changing lanes or exiting, turn on your signal flasher.
- Otherwise, stay in your lane.
- Don’t pass another motor vehicle.
- There are times when you are unable to move into the lane closest to the exit. When that happens, continue circling the roundabout until you can safely get there.
Berkeley Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley car accident lawyer. Knowing how to navigate roundabouts or intersections can make driving safer for all Californians. However, some drivers are confused or recklessly break the rules, ending in traumatic injuries such as brain injury. When this happens, talking to an experienced attorney helps you understand what needs to happen in seeking legal compensation. I am available at (510) 631-0200 or at (800) 404-5400. I can give you friendly advice without any cost to you.
After the accident, most clients don’t have time to research an attorney, yet knowing about the lawyer’s practice is essential. You can take a look at my Yelp, Google and Avvo pages to see what clients have to say. On Avvo, you can see my peer comments also.
Medical bills, lack of income due to lost wages when you can’t work and rehabilitation services can all drain finances. Compensating for the monetary loss by procuring damages from an insurer or a negligent party makes it possible to move on after the accident. I’ve helped many Berkeley and Northern Californians as an injury lawyer get the compensation they need. You can see what I’ve done for some other clients on my settlements and verdicts page found on the website I created and own. There is also an abundance of information about legal topics in personal injury law.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/the-stopper-communication-red-light-2575843/
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