California Injury Blog
Five people were injured — one of them seriously — in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of December 14, 2009, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. The collision involved five vehicles and occurred on the 605 Freeway near the 10 Freeway, in Baldwin Park. The chain reaction crash began when a black Honda CRV, driven by 53-year-old Rachel Gaytan, veered right, from the fast lane, and into traffic. She hit a Nissan Murano being driven by Heidi Russell, 56. The Nissan was then pushed into a Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Alfredo Santana, 42. The Pontiac in turn, slammed into the rear of a big rig, which was directly ahead. Jose Ruben, 45, the driver of the big rig lost control and hit a Honda Accord driven by 34-year-old Thomas Ly.
Chain Reaction Car Accident
Russell sustained the most serious injuries with cuts to her head, as well as her neck, back and shoulder injuries. Gaytan, Santana and Russell were taken to an area hospital. However, no one sustained life-threatening injuries. Gaytan, who apparently set off the chain reaction crash, told California Highway Patrol officials that she swerved initially because another driver cut her off.
I offer my sympathies to all the victims here, especially Russell, who was the most seriously injured. I wish them all the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
According to CHP’s 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were four fatalities and 302 injuries involving car accidents in Baldwin Park. Countywide, car accidents claimed 712 lives and led to 56,475 injuries, during the same year.
Who Caused this Injury Crash?
If this news report is accurate, it seems that Rachel Gaytan caused the initial collision, which led to this multi-vehicle crash. However, she claims that she swerved and hit the Nissan Murano because she was cut off by another driver. I trust CHP traffic investigators are looking into her account of the accident and determining if another driver was involved. They should also look into whether this accident was the result of Gaytan being distracted, speeding, making an unsafe movement or any other act of negligence.
In this injury accident, the victims should get in touch with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the accident, examine the police report and interview witnesses to make sure the negligent or at-fault parties are held responsible. If you have been injured in a car accident that involved multiple vehicles and several victims, you need a skilled injury lawyer on your side, to protect your best interests. In such cases, it is very important that you not talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other parties without first consulting your own attorney.
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.