Red light runner kills 4, injures 3 in California wreck

2009-12-01 03:59:37 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Personal Injury)

Legal news for California personal injury attorneys. A car ran a red light and slammed into two other cars.

California personal injury attorneys alert- A fatal wreck injured four people in San Francisco.

San Francisco, CA—A red light runner violently slammed into the side of a minivan and tragically killed a family of four traveling inside the vehicle. The fatal collision happened on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at the intersection of Highway 37 and Lakeville Highway near Novato, as reported by the San Jose Mercury News.

According to California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Mini Cooper driven by Steven Culbertson, 19, of Lakeport blew through the red light at the intersection of Highway 37 and Lakeville Highway and clipped a car before slamming into the minivan. All four of the occupants traveling in the minivan were killed on impact. The four deceased family members were identified as Johnathan Maloney, 45, Susan Maloney, 42, and their children, Grace, 5, and Aiden, 8, all from Sonoma. The minivan was reportedly so badly damaged that it was virtually unrecognizable. The car that was first clipped by the Mini Cooper was apparently sitting at the red light when it was struck. Three occupants of that vehicle were injured in the collision. They were rushed to a hospital in Novato for treatment of their injuries. Police officials believe Culbertson was traveling at speeds between 70 and 90 miles per hour when he slammed into the two vehicles. Two medical helicopters were called to the scene to transport the victims. Culbertson was flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment of his life-threatening injuries, which included a potential traumatic brain injury (TBI). Police officials stated drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for California personal injury lawyers.