California Injury Blog
Five people were injured in a Laguna Hills car accident, which officials say involved several vehicles. According to a news article in The Orange County Register, the injury crash occurred the morning of July 17, 2012 on the Interstate-5 at the Alicia Parkway on-ramp. California Highway Patrol officials say a silver Toyota pickup truck was one of the first involved in a chain-reaction collision on the southbound 5 Freeway. The pickup rolled over several times before coming to rest on the right shoulder. Firefighters treated five people at the scene, four of whom were transported to an area hospital. A total of four vehicles were involved. An investigation is ongoing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims of this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Car Accident Statistics
According to CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were two fatalities and 153 injuries involving car accidents in Laguna Hills in 2009. Also, during the same year, 141 people died and 13,373 were injured as a result of Orange County car crashes.
What Caused This Crash?
Based on this news account, it appears that this was a chain-reaction collision. It is unclear as to whether the crash was triggered by one of the vehicles getting rear-ended or as the result of one of the drivers 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 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.”
Liability Issues
In such cases, the at-fault motorist can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. Victims would be well advised to contact an experienced Laguna Hills personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable.
Any case involving multiple vehicles, multiple victims and entities can become quite complex. Please remember that as a victim you should not make statements or sign away agreements without first talking to a knowledgeable injury lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and best interests. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.