Seven people were injured, at least one critically, in a two-vehicle crash in Lake Los Angeles the evening of March 27, 2014.
According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the major injury collision occurred at the intersection of 165th Street and Avenue S east of Palmdale.
Initial reports state that as many as three people were in critical condition and that the crash involved two vehicles colliding head on.
Some of the crash victims were airlifted to a regional hospital. Two of those victims were children. Four others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials say that the crash occurred on a dark and isolated stretch of road. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Officials say the accident
might have occurred when one the vehicles may have tried to pass a slower moving big rig.
Los Angeles Traffic Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2011 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 93 fatalities and 4,571 injuries due to traffic collisions in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
Also countywide, 513 people died and 50,476 were injured due to car accidents during the same year.
Possible Unsafe Pass
Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers may have caused the head-on collision by making an unsafe pass.
California Vehicle Code section 21751: “On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.”
Fault and Liability
We trust investigators are looking into whether impairment, distractions or reckless driving were factors in this crash. In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced accident lawyer in Los Angeles who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.