Drivers are often oblivious to common dangers that could lead to a serious accident. In August of this year, a car was struck by a Gold Line train when the driver was blinded by the early morning glare of the sun. According to Encino Police Lt. Vasken Gourdikian, this should serve as a reminder to drivers to be aware of the dangers around them.
No Injuries
The accident took place at the crossing located at California and Raymond when the driver was unable to see the arm was lowered. He was travelling east, directly into the morning sun at 7:30 a.m. and was struck as he drove onto the train tracks.
The southbound train only caused minor damage to the vehicle and luckily the driver and commuters on the train were not hurt.
Be Aware of Dangers
Motorists should be aware that it is not just inclement weather that can obscure vision. The glare of the sun can cause sudden blindness that can lead to serious accidents.
Police Lt. Vasken Gourdikian warns drivers to always keep in mind that they should only “drive as fast as you can see” in order to avoid such accidents. It just takes a split second for something to enter your path and lead to a collision or the need to swerve.
In this case the accident proved to be a minor inconvenience for commuters. However, it was very lucky no one was seriously injured or even killed.
Other common factors and road conditions that can lead to a car accident can include:
- Fog
- Rain or slick roads
- Night driving
- Pot holes
If You Are Involved in an Accident
Understanding what to do once an accident occurs is also important for drivers. In California, a driver must stop following a car accident whether they are in a minor accident, hit a parked car, or of course, hit a pedestrian. Failure to stop is considered “Hit and Run” in California.
If you are injured, don’t hesitate to seek representation to help you recover the appropriate compensation to which you are entitled. In Encino, California, the lawyers of Binder & Associates can provide you with personal injury representation be it for minor or severe injuries.
We invite you to contact us today at (818) 659-8588 for a free consultation during which we can discuss how we can help you.