A tanker truck carrying milk overturned on the southbound 5 Freeway in Boyle Heights crushing an SUV when it flipped over. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, at least two people – the driver of the milk truck and the driver of the SUV – suffered injuries and were transported to an area hospital. California Highway Patrol officials said the tanker truck ended up overturned to its side near the Main Street exit the morning of Nov. 24.
Two Suffered Injuries
CHP officials said the driver of the tanker truck was pulling onto the freeway when he made an unsafe turn. The back end of the trailer crushed the SUV when it flipped over injuring its driver who complained of shoulder pain. A pickup truck rear-ended the fallen rig on the highway.
The driver of the milk truck suffered lacerations to his face. The pickup driver was uninjured. There was a minor milk spill on to the freeway, but the leak was quickly stopped, officials said. Last week, a truck carrying 50,000 pounds of cookie dough overturned on the 15 Freeway.
We hope neither of the individuals who were injured sustained life-threatening injuries. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Laws and Liability Issues
Based on this news report, CHP officials say alcohol or drugs did not play a part in this crash. But, they did say that the truck’s driver made an unsafe turn as he pulled into the freeway. According to California Vehicle Code Section 22107: “No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.”
If the truck driver is determined to have been negligent in this case, both the driver and his employer can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims in accident cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of the incident and help victims secure fair and full compensation for their losses.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-11-24/5-freeway-traffic-milk-truck-crash-boyle-heights