Eight people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident involving four buses and one car, the morning of May 19, 2011. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the major injury accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the 5 Freeway, near Washington Boulevard, in Commerce. California Highway Patrol officials report that the chain reaction collision was triggered by a car that suddenly slowed down in front of one of the buses. The bus directly behind the car slammed on the brakes. Three buses, which were behind the first bus, collided. Two of the injured victims were inmates and six were military personnel. One of the victims was critically injured. An investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the many injured victims of this Los Angeles bus accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), seven people were killed and 234 injured in Commerce car accidents. During that same year, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries occurred as a result of Los Angeles County car accidents.
What Caused This Chain Reaction Bus Accident?
Based on this news report, it appears that the chain reaction crash occurred due to the car slowing down suddenly, in the freeway lane, in front of the buses. It is not clear if the buses were tailgating or following too closely.
Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers following too close behind another vehicle or by distracted drivers. California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.” California Vehicle Code Section 21704 also states that the driver “shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it.”
Fault and Liability
I trust officials are also looking into why the driver of the car slowed down suddenly. Did that driver make an unsafe lane change or drive in a reckless manner. In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for injuries damages and losses. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will better advise car accident victims about their legal rights and options.
Seriously injured in a Los Angeles County bus accident? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a Commerce rear-end car accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.