Four people were injured in a car accident after a driver ran a red light and hit two other cars. According to a news report in the Ledger-Dispatch, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of August 15, 2010 on southbound Highway 49 at Industrial Boulevard in Amador County. California Highway Patrol officials say Louise Henderson, 77, and 85-year-old Mary Leskey were traveling in a 2000 Nissan, when Henderson drove through a red light. She struck a 2006 Honda driven by 54-year-old Debra Mayer. Then the Nissan hit a 1994 Chevrolet. Leskey and Henderson sustained serious injuries while Mayer and 84-year-old Ethel Beckes, a passenger in the Chevy, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

I hope no one sustained catastrophic injuries in this crash. I wish them all the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

Elderly Drivers

This incident reminds us, yet again, about the important issue of our aging driving population. California now has almost 3 million drivers who are 65 years or older, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds fatality rates for drivers begin to climb after age 65. In 2005, about 11 percent of fatal car accidents in the United States had involved drivers 65 or older.

Laws and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the elderly driver in this case, ran a red light at the intersection, which 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."

If Henderson is determined to have been at fault for this accident, she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused to others including her own passenger. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The best California personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Do you have an elderly family member still driving? What are some of your major concerns about them continuing to drive?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.