Nine people were injured in two separate car accidents within minutes of each other on the 91 Freeway near Knott Avenue in Buena Park early morning on September 17, 2017. According to The Orange County Register, the first accident was reported when motorists passing by reported two cars tangled up on the shoulder of the eastbound 91. A second accident involving two more vehicles near the first scene was called in just seven minutes after the first one.
California Highway Patrol officials did not have details on how either of the accidents occurred and said they are still investigating both. Orange County fire officials who responded to the scene said drivers from two cars, a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s, had serious trauma injuries and were transported to an area hospital. Two others, also in their 30s, were also transported to a trauma center with significant injuries. Five more people, three adults and two children, ages 9 and 6, were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the injured victims of these car accidents. We wish them the very best for a quick and full recovery.
What Caused These Crashes
Based on this news report, there is very little information as to how or why these car accidents occurred in such quick succession pretty much at the same spot on the freeway. There are still a number of unanswered questions here. What caused these crashes? Was someone under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs? Was reckless driving or speeding involved? Did one of the drivers make an unsafe lane change? Was fatigued driving a factor? We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to remember precisely what occurred here and why.
Fault and Liability Issues
In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and help protect their legal rights. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their auto insurance policy might apply to an incident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.