Multi-vehicle accidents are frequent occurrences on Los Angeles’ freeways. They often begin with a minor collision and quickly escalate into a major incident in which several persons suffer either injury or death. A recent seven-vehicle auto accident on the 605 freeway in Whittier provides a clear example of how a minor collision can quickly escalate into a major traffic accident.
According to police, the chain reaction began when a Toyota Sienna rear-ended a Ford F-150 and shoved the pick-up into the back of a Nissan Quest. The Sienna spun into the car pool lane facing the oncoming traffic and was hit head-on by a Honda Accord. Meanwhile, the pick-up skidded into the No. 2 traffic lane and struck a Volvo sedan.
Two passengers in the Sienna, a 15-year-old boy and a 34-year old woman, were knocked unconscious by the impact and appeared to be in critical condition. Both were transported to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center by helicopter. Three other passengers in the Sienna were taken by ambulance to PIH Health Hospital in Whittier. The driver of the Sienna was treated at the scene for cuts to his hand and released. The driver of the Ford F-150 complained vaguely of pain and was treated at the scene and released. Apart from describing the sequence of events, police have not established the cause of the collision or identified which of the drivers may have been at fault.
Determining fault in a multi-vehicle crash can be difficult. Anyone who has been injured in such a collision or has a loved one who has been killed or injured in a similar accident may wish to consult an attorney who specializes in handling such cases. Freeway traffic accidents happen so quickly that the victims neither perceive nor recall exactly what happened. An experienced lawyer can call on experts to reconstruct the accident and identify the driver or drivers who were at fault. A consultation with such an attorney may provide a helpful analysis of the case and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost income.
Source: Pasadena Star News, “7 hurt after multiple car crash on southbound 605 Freeway in Whittier,” Ruby Gonzales, Jan. 14, 2016
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