Two People, Including a Police Officer, Seriously Injured in La Habra Crash

Few details were available after a motorcycle crash seriously injured an on-duty police officer and the driver of another vehicle.

The on-duty motorcycle officer and another driver got into a collision near South Walnut Street and West Lambert Road, according to the La Habra Police Department. First responders with the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and transported two people to local hospitals with serious injuries. One victim was in critical condition.

One longtime resident said she heard the sound of the impact. She said there have been other crashes at that same intersection over the years, and she believes there should be a green arrow traffic light there. “When I cross over there, I take care,” she remarked. “It’s very dangerous. Many people die over there — many accidents all the time.”

Driver Negligence in Car Crash Claims

We might not know what caused this particular crash, but we do know what causes car crashes. Driver error causes 98 percent of the vehicle collisions in California. This driver error is usually:

• Aggressive Driving: Speed, which is a factor in about a third of the fatal wrecks in California, is the most common and most dangerous form of aggressive driving. Others include turning unsafely and ignoring a traffic control device.
• Operator Impairment: Alcohol, which is also a factor in about a third of the fatal wrecks in California, is the most common and most dangerous form of driver impairment. Others include excessive fatigue and driving while distracted.

A California motorcycle accident lawyer uses evidence to establish the specific cause of a crash. Putting together a negligence case is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.

When they solve these puzzles, most people start with the edge, which is aggressive or impaired driving. Then, the other pieces of the puzzle usually fall together.

Evidence in a car crash case (puzzle pieces) usually includes medical bills, witness statements, and the police accident report.

Defective Road Design

Poorly designed or maintained roads also cause some car crashes. However, these claims are complex. The old saying “you can’t fight city hall” is partially true. A stoplight at a corner is a good example.

Usually, legal immunity applies to discretionary acts, which, in this case, is the decision to place or not a traffic control device at a particular location. For the same reason, people usually can’t sue the government if taxes go up or services are cut back.

Typically, immunity doesn’t apply to ministerial acts. If bureaucrats decide to put up a stop sign, the city (or other responsible government entity) must put up and maintain the sign. They’re negligent if they fail to do so.

Contractor error sometimes comes into play. For example, the contractor might put up a yield sign instead of a stop sign. Contractors aren’t entitled to government immunity, at least in most cases.

Connect with Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Now!

Car crashes cause serious injuries. For a free consultation with experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.