As many as 18 people were injured after four vehicles collided on the northbound 405 Freeway at the 605 Freeway the morning of March 13. According to a report on Patch.com, two were considered trauma patients and transported to area hospitals by paramedics and 16 suffered non-life-threatening injuries. California Highway Patrol officials said the most serious injury was a broken arm.
The initial crash was between a Chevy Suburban and a Toyota Tundra and a subsequent crash occurred between two vans, one of them a Ford F350. One of the cars involved in the crash made an unsafe lane change triggering the chain-reaction crash, officials said. No citations or arrests were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
Unsafe Lane Changes
California law requires drivers to switch lanes only when it is safe to do so. California Vehicle Code section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle “shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.”
However, on the freeway, we see a number of dangerous lane changes that result in collisions or sometimes, near-collisions. These types of accidents may occur because the driver is distracted, driving recklessly or carelessly, or in some cases, when the motorist is impaired. So, in these types of crashes, it is important to determine precisely what caused the motorist to make that unsafe lane change.
Steps Victims Can Take
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle crash, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected. First, make sure you file a police report and obtain a copy of the report for your own records. It is also important that you get prompt medical attention, treatment and care. In such cases involving multiple victims, insurance companies and lawyers, it is important that you do not provide statements to other parties. Do not sign any agreements or waivers without first consulting your attorney. Contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who will remain on your side and help guide you through what could be a complex legal process.
Source: https://patch.com/california/losalamitos/sigalert-stalls-traffic-through-seal-beach