California Injury Blog
Ten people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident, which officials say, involved nine vehicles. According to an ABC News report, the injury crash occurred the afternoon of December 18, 2011, at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue in Leimert Park. Police say a silver Chevrolet pickup truck was northbound on Crenshaw and traveling at a high rate of speed when it collided with two vehicles that had slowed down for the traffic light at Vernon. The Colorado pickup truck crashed into the back of a small Chevy sedan and a Ford SUV, which triggered a chain-reaction collision with several other vehicles. One person had to be extricated. One woman broke her ankle while two others suffered critical injuries. No charges have been filed pending an official investigation.
My heart goes out to all the injured victims of this car accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Los Angeles Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 227 fatalities and 25,043 injuries occurred involving car accidents in the city of Los Angeles. Countywide, car accidents claimed 554 lives and injured 50,817 people, during the same year.
Possible Speed Violation
Based on this news report, it appears that excessive speed may have led to the chain-reaction collision. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
Protecting Victims’ Rights
It is unclear at this time if impairment, distracted driving, inattention, or some other form of negligence played a part in this terrible crash. Investigations into multi-vehicle accidents that involve several victims, vehicles, and witnesses, can get complex because of numerous factors, including possible contradictory statements and testimonies. Those injured in these types of crashes would be well advised to refrain from talking to insurance adjusters or attorneys for other parties. Victims would be well advised to first contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.