San Diego Collision Injures Two Trolley Passengers
At least two people were injured in a San Diego car accident after a U.S. Postal Service van collided with a trolley in downtown San Diego. According to a news report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, the collision occurred the morning of February 3, 2010 at the intersection of Park Boulevard and G Street. Two trolley passengers were taken to the hospital. One of the passengers, 20-year-old John Lyman, who was sitting in the front seat of the trolley, told the newspaper that the trolley was proceeding through the intersection on a green light when it was struck by the mail van. All of the traffic on G Street was stopped at the light, except for the van. The female driver of the van was uninjured.
I hope the two passengers hospitalized here were not seriously injured. I wish both the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. It is indeed fortunate that they did not sustain any catastrophic injuries in this crash.
Did the Driver Run a Red Light?
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the postal van may have run a red light. If the statements of the trolley passenger are accurate then the trolley must have had the green light. It is not clear, however, why the postal van driver went through the intersection and also, if she was distracted in any way or speeding at the time.
Running a red light is a serious traffic violation. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: "A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown."
Liability Issues
If the driver of the USPS mail van was at fault, then her employer (the postal service) could be held liable for the injuries caused because the driver was on-the-job at the time. If an investigation later determines that the driver of the trolley was at fault, then the passengers can file a claim against the transit authority. Please remember that in California, any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of the accident or injury. In such cases, an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer can guide the victims and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
