When driving during the early morning hours, it is possible that there are very few other drivers with which to share the roadways. While it might be tempting to ignore traffic lights in a situation such as this, doing so could result in serious car accidents. Police in California believe that a recent car accident was caused by a driver who failed to stop at a traffic light.
Police claim that a sedan was traveling south on a California roadway at approximately 2 a.m. on a day in early January. The driver of the vehicle was allegedly speeding at the time and failed to obey a red traffic light. As a result, police believe that the sedan slammed into a van traveling west. Following the initial collision, the sedan is said to have struck a utility pole — the impact of which cut the vehicle in half.
Unfortunately, four people in the sedan died as a result of the collision. A fifth occupant suffered serious injuries. In addition to these injuries and fatalities, two people in the van were also injured. Police are unsure if alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision and continue to investigate.
Some drivers hold the false assumptions that a relatively minor traffic infraction is harmless. Unfortunately, there are many families in California who are suffering as a result of the loss of a loved one caused by a driver who failed to obey a traffic signal. Additionally, many victims of car accidents are injured and left facing a mountain of medical bills while unable to work due to their injuries. Those injured or coping with the loss of a loved one as a result of another’s negligence have legal options available to them that could ultimately lead to recompense, allowing them to focus on their recovery rather than their financial status.
Source: cbs8.com, “Four people killed in crash after car runs red light“, Heather Hope, Jan. 10, 2016