Two people were killed and several others were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a minivan and a truck carrying inmates from a Los Angeles County fire crew collided head-on. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 138 near Gorman the afternoon of November 23, 2010.
The force of the collision caused the fire truck to roll about 150 feet and ejected inmates out of the vehicle and on to the pavement. The driver of the minivan and one of the inmates were pronounced dead at the scene. A few occupants of the truck were ejected, while others were trapped inside. Officials say there were a total of 12 prisoners in the truck that was being driven by a county firefighter. The prisoners had been clearing brush as part of their daily assignment.
I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the two deceased car accident victims. I also pray that the injured victims recover quickly and completely from whatever injuries they have suffered.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 121 fatalities and 4,683 injuries involving car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Also, countywide, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.
What Caused this Tragic Car Accident?
Details are still sketchy, but based on this news report, it appears that this was a head-on collision. It is not clear which one of the vehicles left its lane of traffic and crossed over into opposing lanes. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21651(a): “Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.”
I trust officials are investigating the cause of this accident and who was at fault. Was one of the drivers under the influence? Was driver distraction, fatigue, speed or recklessness a factor in this tragic car accident? Were there any other vehicles involved? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to this accident?
Victims’ Claim for Compensation
Families of deceased car accident victims or injured victims would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. If the driver of the truck is determined to have been at fault, both he and his employer could be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim must be filed within 180 days of the incident.
Lost a family member in a Los Angeles County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Los Angeles car accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.
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The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.