Tuesday, April 23rd, a vehicle lost control and veered off of the road into a Mobile gas station lot, where it crashed into a gas pump and toppled it onto a man who was pumping gas, trapping him underneath. According to Lieutenant Josh Langdon of the Escondido police, the incident occurred shortly after 10 am Tuesday. Two other individuals were injured in the incident as well.
The accident occurred when two vehicles collided on the road near the intersection of East Valley Parkway and North Rose Street in Escondido. The impact of the collision sent one of the vehicles, what appears in video footage to be an SUV, hurtling into the gas station lot.
When fire crews got to the scene the man trapped under the pump was awake, although Lt. Langdon said he did not know the full extent of his injuries. Fire crews took the man to the hospital after freeing him.
Langdon also reported that fire crews had to pry open the driver’s door of the SUV that slammed into the pump. The driver was taken to the hospital as well. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the initial crash was also injured and taken to the hospital.
What Tends To Cause Car Accidents?
Car accidents occur every day and can be caused by a myriad of factors that can contribute to their unpredictability and danger. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving – using phones, eating, changing the radio, adjusting navigation systems, or even talking to other passengers
- Speeding – exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for current road conditions
- Drunken or drugged driving – operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
- Reckless driving – engaging in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and disregarding traffic signals
- Inclement weather conditions – rain, snow, ice, or fog can reduce traction and visibility on the road
- Poor road conditions – uneven surfaces, potholes, and lack of signage
- Mechanical failure – brakes, steering, or other essential elements of the car may abruptly stop working
“Car accidents can cause serious damage and injury, as we saw in Tuesday’s accident,” says attorney Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber, “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as they navigate life after this close call. While not all car accidents can be prevented, there are safety measures we can take to prevent being the cause of a car accident. If you or a loved one have been a victim of a car accident, you may have legal recourse and may want to contact a personal injury attorney.”
Steps Victims Of Car Accidents Should Take After The Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, either by being directly involved in it or by being a bystander affected by it, you may have several legal options available to pursue to gain compensation for your injuries and other losses. Some steps you can take after the accident include:
- Seek medical attention
- Document the accident if possible and safe to do so
- Contact your insurance company
- Consult with an attorney to explore your legal options
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a settlement
- File a lawsuit
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and suffered a personal injury, call Singleton Schreiber today at (619) 771-3473 or by email at info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options.
