Got into an accident with the Z today...

[Pir0San]

I'm not too happy about it, I did file a police report, and the police officer said that I'm at fault, because no matter what, since I made a left turn, I'm at fault. Seems like bs to me, considering the California Driver's Handbook states "Do not pass a car from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk." So therefore, she's in the wrong as I see it. Would it be any different if she would have hit a pedestrian? I think not. Now I'm just waiting for the insurance agencies to get their stuff together and call me.

What do you all think? Is there anything I'm forgetting that could be beneficial to the accident claim?

[Arne]

Not sure about California, but here in Oregon I believe it is ALWAYS illegal to pass on the right. Period.

But, the person in the Acura who "yielded" to you so you can make a left turn was wrong to do so, and technically you were in the wrong to make that turn while there was oncoming traffic of any kind - even if they waved you on. So as I see it, probably all three drivers were technically at fault.

[jmortensen]

I get kinda belligerent when people try to give me a right of way that I don't deserve. I've seen way too many accidents caused by overly courteous dumbasses. If they got to the 4 way stop first and they wave me on, I wave right back at them. If they stop for no reason and wave me in front I'll do the same. People need to worry about driving in a manner that is predictable to all of the people on the road, not about being nice.

Now if there was a pedestrian in the mix, and that's why the person stopped, then I think you've got something. Otherwise, I think the other person told you to do something illegal and you did it. The one who hit you also did something illegal, so as Arne says, probably all 3 were at fault to some degree.

[Pir0San]

The guy who waved me on drove off as soon as the accident happened, I couldn't get his info.

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Here's the damage:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image035.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image027.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image034.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image033.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image032.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image031.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image030.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image029.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/Fast240Z/Z%20wreck/Image028.jpg

[Fun_in_my_z]

Thats a shame Jeremy, when you start looking for parts look me up.

[jmortensen]

I think Matman has every part you need, and he's nearby. Maybe PM him too.

[zhead240]

the one time u wish u had them 280 bumpers.

[Pir0San]

hahaha, zhead240, I was thinking the same thing when the accident happened.

[zman525]

damn man! thats no good!... ive got plenty of parts laying around but u live quite far away, and im sure u can find someone thats on the same side of that country to help you ... best of luck man! sorry to hear/see the bad news

[EScanlon]

Your satellite picture and your car icons make it seem as though that road is a SINGLE lane in each direction. However, by looking at the pick-up and cars in the picture, it appears that the road is actually TWO lanes in each direction. But it's hard to tell for sure.

If it is indeed 2 lanes in each direction, or at least on the side of the road that the Celica was on, then the Celica was going through the intersection properly. That you were waved through by that other car is irrelevant, as you are responsible for clearing the other lane's traffic (i.e. YOU are crossing his natural and normal line of travel).

If the road is a single lane for the Celica, and she drove through a "parking" lane, or the curb/side of the road and then into the intersection could she be held at fault. That is, she passed on the right AND she wasn't on the proper road.

If there was a person in the Crosswalk, and depending on local statutes, only YOU may or NO cars may enter the intersection.

But, that's just opinion based on hearsay.

Sorry to hear about it.

E

[Pir0San]

EScalon, the road is a 2 way road, with only one lane going in each direction. You are correct, she drove through a parking lane, and by CVC, technically she is at at fault.

What made me mad was that the police officer said it was my fault, since I had made a left turn. He says that no matter what, even though she did pass on the right, which is illegal, I'm at fault because I was crossing traffic, even though the man in the Acura allowed me to.

The road is wide, but that is because it's in front of a school, and parents need a place to park when picking up their kids.

[Pir0San]

I think I'm going to ride my bike down to the school tomorrow and wait and see if I can find the guy in the Acura and see if I can get a statement from him.