A female driver was apparently seriously injured in an Orange County car accident the morning of August 21, 2009 after another car turning left struck her vehicle at a street intersection in Tustin, California. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, A Nissan SUV, being driven by Jong Chun, was turning left onto to Bryan Avenue from eastbound Myford when his vehicle was involved in a collision with a silver Toyota sedan. Chun's wife, Hae Chun, complained of chest pain, but was not taken to a hospital. The driver of the Toyota was taken away in an ambulance.

My heart goes out to the driver who was apparently seriously injured in this Tustin car accident. I hope her injuries were not life-threatening and wish her the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Orange County Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) there were two fatalities and 392 injuries involving car accidents in Tustin. In Orange County as a whole, 178 fatalities and 14,185 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents, in 2007.

It's not clear, based on this newspaper report, as to who had the right-of-way at this intersection. California laws are very clear when it comes to motorists making left or U-turns at signaled intersections. California Vehicle Code section 21801 (a) states: "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."

Car Accident Liability Issues

If Chun was at fault in this car crash, then he could be held liable for the injuries caused to the other driver. In such cases, injured victims are able to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages and other related costs. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the case, identify the negligent parties and make sure they are held accountable. The best personal injury law firms always offer a free and comprehensive initial consultation to injured victims and their families.