A driver pulling out from of a parking lot onto University Avenue in Provo, Utah, caused a car accident when a motorist driving down the road smashed into the car. According to KSL News, the car accident happened in Provo on Thursday, June 4, 2009. A girl riding in one of the cars, presumably, the car that pulled out, perished in the car wreck. Four others in the car are said to be seriously injured. No word on whether they were seat belted or not. No one has been cited to date.
My condolences to the family of the girl who died and best wishes to those who were injured.
Utah law is quite clear that a driver pulling out from a side business must yield to traffic. They are required to scan the scene to make sure the coast is clear before they put themselves or others in harm’s way. I’m not sure why the driver who pulled out didn’t get a ticket. Perhaps it is coming. I think the driver clearly violated state law by his pulling out as he or she did.
Those hurt by the negligence of others have a cause of action the person who caused the car accident. In this case, there is likely a claim against the driver who pulled out into traffic. Of course this would change if the driver going down University didn’t have his lights on and was not visible. In that situation, the driver pulling out could potentially have a claim against that driver for any injuries they experienced.