UPDATE August 23, 2022: After 88 long days, Junior Cruz Melendez has finally been released from the hospital. And despite having 16 surgeries during this time, and his right leg amputated, we are glad to see that he’s in good spirits and doing well. More on this story with video interviews here.
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA (June 6, 2022) – Junior Cruz Melendez, a Trabuco High School student, was critically injured in an accident while driving home from his Ladera Ranch job at Shredz.
The accident, which occurred on the night of May 24, was triggered by another driver losing control of their vehicle, hitting the center median, and colliding into Melendez’s Jeep head on.
The other driver was killed in the accident, while Junior Cruz Melendez was severely injured and sent to the hospital’s ICU. Another unnamed passenger has also been hurt.
Melendez’s family says that he will have to undergo numerous surgeries for injuries including fractured bones, a collapsed lung, brain bleeding and more.
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our well wishes to Junior Cruz Melendez and wish him a speedy recovery.
Liability In Rancho Santa Margarita Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Rancho Santa Margarita Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our best wishes to Junior Cruz Melendez. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Rancho Santa Margarita car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 395-7234.