Persons who travel on the freeway system in Los Angeles know that even a minor collision can rapidly escalate into a chain reaction involving several vehicles and injuring a number of people. A recent motorcycle and car accident on the 170 Freeway in North Hollywood that ultimately involved six vehicles shows how even a relatively small impact can quickly involve several vehicles and lead to the death of a motorcyclist.
A Los Angeles man driving a Chrysler 300 swerved into an adjacent lane and crashed into the rear of a two-axle truck. The collision pushed the truck into the side of a Mercedes-Benz that had stopped in the far left traffic lane. The Mercedes was then pushed into the HOV lane, where it was struck by a Yamaha motorcycle. According to witnesses, the motorcycle bounced off the Mercedes and struck a Nissan Versa that had stopped in the main left traffic lane. The Nissan was then pushed into another parked vehicle.
The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. Four drivers were treated for minor injuries at the scene, but none required hospitalization. The initial description of the accident makes it appear unlikely that the motorcycle driver was speeding or otherwise doing anything that could be described as negligent. His family may have sound claim for wrongful death damages against any of the other drivers who may be found to be at fault.
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a multi-vehicle accident may benefit from consulting a lawyer who specializes in automobile and motorcycle accident cases. Such a consultation can provide a useful analysis of the facts of the case and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for loss of companionship, medical expense, lost income or pain and suffering.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News, “Motorcyclist killed, 4 injured in crash on 170 Freeway in North Hollywood,” City News Service, Feb. 12, 2016
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