California Injury Blog
Michael Harris, 67, of San Carlos was one of two people killed in a Los Angeles car accident that occurred the evening of March 3, 2010 on the northbound 605 Freeway in Cerritos. According to a news report in The Press-Telegram, a Ford van containing seven people was going north in the number two lane and was near the Artesia (91) Freeway, when the van tried to move into the carpool lane nearly hitting a Mitsubishi Lancer traveling in the number one lane.
Deadly Accident
Both vehicles swerved in order to avoid a crash and ended up hitting the freeway divider. Five people were ejected from the van. Harris and one other person were killed. Five others were critically injured. The driver of the Mitsubishi, which rolled over after hitting the center divider, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. California Highway Patrol officials said none of the seven people in the van was wearing a seatbelt.
My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones in this crash. I also hope and pray that the five people who have been critically injured make a speedy and complete recovery. I wish the driver of the Mitsubishi the very best for a quick and full recovery as well. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were three fatalities and 393 injuries involving car accidents in Cerritos, according to CHP’s 2008 traffic accident statistics. Countywide, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries were reported in 2008 as a result of car accidents.
In this particular case, it is not clear what caused the Ford to swerve into the carpool lane. Was the driver intoxicated, distracted or driving recklessly at the time? Officials have said that no one in the van was buckled up. If I were a member of the victims’ families, I would want to find out if that was actually the case or if any occupant had been ejected because of seat restraint system failure.
Fault and Liability
If the van driver is determined to have been at fault for the accident, then he or she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. If an auto product defect played a part here, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product could also be held liable. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to help victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.