Early Thursday morning four passengers were critically injured in an Orange County rollover crash when the truck in which they were riding flipped. According to KABC News, the victims were all riding in the bed of a Toyota Tacoma when it struck a parked car and rolled on Hoover Street in Westminster at about 3:45 in the morning. The 19-year-old driver, Jazmin Loera of Garden Grove, has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. All four of the victims were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Liability for This OC Rollover Crash
Assuming that the driver, Loera, was in fact driving while intoxicated then she will have a nearly impossible time escaping liability for hitting a parked car and causing her truck to roll over. However, there is also the issue of what damages she caused by her negligence. Because riding in the back of a truck is unlawful and obviously unsafe, the passengers in this accident could share some of the responsibility for their own injuries. By the same token, however, it is illegal for a driver to allow passengers to travel in the bed of a truck that is not intended for passenger use. Since the injuries to the four men appear to be quite severe, Loera’s liability for the injuries and damages suffered will likely be quite substantial, in spite of the passengers’ shared responsibility.
Don’t Risk Your Life Riding in The Back of a Truck
Because even a minor accident could cause serious injuries, you should NEVER ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Without a seat or seat belts to restrain your movement, even a low speed impact could cause you to be thrown into the cab or as far as the pavement. Injuries suffered by those riding in the back of a truck tend to be among the most serious that injury attorneys see in their practice, especially when there is a rollover accident. Everyone has an obligation under the law to do what they can for their own safety so choosing to ride in the bed of a truck is careless if not reckless behavior.
Contact an Experienced Orange County Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident, contacting an experienced auto accident attorney is perhaps the best way to find out whether you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and damages suffered. Mr. Ralph has decades of experience as an Orange County accident attorney, having recovered millions for dollars for his clients. His office is centrally located in Orange for the convenient access from all over the county. He can be reached via e-mail or by calling the phone number below. Personal injury consultations are always free.Tags: orange county accident attorney, rollover crash