Saturday night a female dog groomer, along with three dogs, was killed when her car was broadsided at a rural two-way stop outside of Stockton. This intersection is particularly dangerous and is the site of many car crashes.

The woman, Judith Smith, was returning home with a client’s dogs when her car was hit at the intersection of Van Allen and Gawne roads. Smith was headed north when Marcos Gomez, driving west on Gawne, failed to stop at the stop sign and collided with Smith’s car. Smith’s car was knocked off the road and burst into flames.

Many issues exist in this tragic case. First, the intersection where the accident occurred was known as dangerous. A friend of the victim stated that “this is a known corner for accidents.” Trees and high grass often make it difficult to see on coming traffic. An experienced attorney is necessary to conduct an investigation of the area and determine whether the trees and grasses did in fact obscure Ms. Smith’s car.

Often the specific location of the cars, the condition of the roadway and the maintenance of an intersection may significantly impact the determination of who is at fault in a car accident, and consequently affect the compensation an injured party or loved one may recover.

Complicating matters, the driver who hit Ms. Smith failed to carry insurance. Pursuant to California law, all drivers must carry car insurance in the amount of $15,000 per injury and $5,000 for property damage. However, in cases where a driver is uninsured, the victim’s own insurance or that of another responsible party may compensate her or her loved one’s for the injuries sustained.

Although California car accidents may seem straightforward, many of the issues raised are complex. For more information, or if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact Sette Law Office.