Sometimes, a minor motor vehicle accident can be the trigger for a much larger accident. A tragic example of this phenomenon occurred in northern Los Angeles County when a minor automobile collision resulted in a truck accident with a catastrophic outcome.
The exact cause of the accident has not been determined but the California Highway Patrol released a number of details. Based on reports, the minivan was involved in a minor collision with a BMW on Interstate 5 near Gorman. The driver of the minivan parked it on the right side of the freeway as he and the driver of the BMW assessed the damage.
As the two men were examining the vehicles, a semi-trailer truck stuck them from behind. This caused the van to roll down an embankment adjacent to the highway. It burst into flames soon after coming to rest. Two men in the front seat were able to escape, but the six occupants of the back seat, who were the wives and children of the two men, were killed.
Police officers attempted to rescue the victims, but the flames were too hot, and they could not enter the vehicle. One highway officer estimated that the force of the impact may have killed one or more of the victims before the fire became intense. Both drivers of the minivan and the BMW were hospitalized in serious condition. The driver of the big rig was uninjured.
This accident could have many causes, including speeding, an inattentive truck driver, driver fatigue and many others negligent or reckless factors. Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a collision involving a big rig may wish to seek compensation for his or her losses. While this will not undo the damages done or bring back a loved one, a civil action could help victims offset financial damages caused by the truck accident.
Source: KTLA News, “2 Mothers, 4 Children Killed When Big Rig Rear Ends Minivan on 5 Freeway in Gorman,” John Moreno, Kennedy Ryan, Elizabeth Espinosa, and Courtney Friel, June 29, 2016
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