A man who climbed out of his sports-utility vehicle after a rollover accident on Highway 1 was struck by a bus Thursday morning, authorities reported. According to the CHP, the 51-year-old man initially had been driving about 55 mph on northbound Highway 1 (the Cabrillo Highway), near the 12th street exit when he saw brake lights ahead of him. In attempt to avoid a collision, he swerved suddenly, causing his SUV to rollover. The vehicle was still in the traffic lane when he climbed out of it. He was then struck by a MST bus en rounte from Monterey to San Jose. The accident occurred before 5:30 a.m., when it was still dark. The bus driver suffered minor injuries. The driver of the SUV suffered major injuries including multiple broken bones and was taken to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
Injury and Liability Issues
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the April 8th accident. Accidents like this one - where somebody survives one accident and then is struck by another passing vehicle are more common than you'd think. Whenever a vehicle is disabled in the roadway, there is the potential for another collision. This is how a lot of multi-vehicle pileup or "chain reaction" collisions begin. Poor visibility situations, at night, in fog, rain or snow, increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. In this situation, the victim injured would be well-advised to speak to a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, he may be entitled to compensation from the bus company for his injuries, loss of earnings and pain and suffering.
Sources: Salinas Californian, Contra Costa Times
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