Six people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident involving four vehicles, the afternoon of September 18, 2012. According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the injury crash occurred in the 10700 block of North Sepulveda Boulevard in the Mission Hills area. Officials said an SUV exiting the 118 Freeway ran a red light and crashed into a truck that was carrying electrical equipment. The impact caused the truck driver to lose control and strike two other vehicles. Six people were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. It is not clear if the driver of the SUV was cited for the red light violation.
My heart goes out to the injured victims of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Despite initial reports of serious injuries, I’m relieved to note that none of the injuries proved to be critical. Please keep these victims in your thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Crash Statistics
There were 219 fatalities and 24,561 injuries reported as a result of Los Angeles car accidents, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 530 people died and 50,513 were injured due to car crashes during the same year.
Red Light Violation
Based on this news article, it appears that one of the drivers ran a red light and triggered this chain-reaction collision involving a total of four vehicles. It is illegal under California law to run a red light. California Vehicle Code Section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Fault and Liability
If the driver of the SUV is determined to have been at fault here, he or she can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Car accident victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.