San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

CALEXICO - A 49-year-old Mexicali man suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle accident near State Route 7 Thursday afternoon, the Imperial Valley Press reported. According to reports, at about 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011, the victim, Jesus Zepeda, was driving his 2008 Italika motorcycle eastbound on Carr Road approaching the intersection of State Route 7. At the same time, Vanessa Mascareno, 24, of El Centro, was driving westbound on Carr Road onto the State Route 7 northbound onramp. Mascareno reportedly did not see Zepeda's eastbound vehicle as she turned into its path. The front of her Toyota collided with the left side of Zepeda's vehicle, ejecting him into the roadway. Zepeda was airlifted by Careflight to Yuma Regional Medical Center with major injuries.

Cause of the April 7th Carr Road Crash

The CHP is investigating the accident and has not made an official determination of fault. However, If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the driver of the Toyota is likely responsible for this collision Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a), "The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety."

Imperial County Car Accident Personal Injury Liability

If it is determined that the driver of the Toyota was responsible for this accident, she may be liable for the injuries sustained by Zepeda. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California car accident lawyer. An attorney who specializes in representing victims of major injury accidents can advise the victim and his family of their legal rights to compensation, and best course of action to protect his rights. Damages available in a personal injury claim may include medical care and treatment expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.