Three people, including two pedestrians, suffered major injuries Sunday afternoon when a 2000 Nissan Xterra struck a 1997 Honda Civic in the center median of Interstate 880, the California Highway Patrol reported. The accident occurred at 3:35 p.m. near The Alameda. According to the Mercury News, two 19-year-old men from Newark were standing near the center median, between the broken down 1997 Honda Civic and a 1995 Honda Civic in front of it.
While making arrangements for a tow truck, the 1997 Honda Civic was struck from behind by the Nissan Xterra, which had veered off the roadway for unknown reasons. The impact caused the Civic to overturn and strike the two Newark men. The two Newark men and the 66-year-old San Jose man driving the Nissan suffered serious injuries.
Cause of the I-880 Accident
The CHP is investigating the cause of the crash. It was not clear based on the limited information provided in news reports why this accident occurred, or even how fast the Xterra was going when it rear-ended the Honda. At this point, there are only questions: Why did the driver of the Xterra veer into the center median? Was there anything he could have done to avoid striking the Honda and subsequently the two men standing in front of it? Was alcohol a factor in the crash? Hopefully, the investigation by law enforcement will provide answers.
Possible Personal Injury Liability
Freeway bystander accidents have unique legal issues. A similar center-median bystander accident occurred in San Diego County last month, when a broken down car was struck from behind on Interstate 5, severely injuring two men who were working on the vehicle. While this August 22nd I-880 accident remains under investigation, the family members of the two young men who were hurt would be well-advised to consult a northern California personal injury lawyer. If negligence was a factor in the crash, an attorney skilled in the unique legal issues of freeway bystander accidents can help the victims understand and protect their legal rights to compensation for their medical expenses, lost earnings related to the accident, possible future loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other accident related expenses.
Sources: Mercury News, CBS 5
Leave a comment