California Injury Blog
A 39-year-old man identified by the Orange County Coroner as Tarun Katara of Irvine and his 3-year-old son were killed in a Seal Beach crash after they exited their disabled SUV on the 405 Freeway and were struck by another vehicle early morning on June 15. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred on the freeway just north of Seal Beach Boulevard. California Highway Patrol officials said Katara was driving a 2011 Honda SUV going south when traffic stopped because of another collision.
Tragic Fatal Collision
As traffic began to move again, the Honda became disabled. The man and the toddler got out of the vehicle and were hit by a 2006 Toyota SUV, which also struck the disabled Honda. The two passengers inside the SUV, Katara’s wife and 10-year-old daughter, were injured and hospitalized. Officials said the girl was listed in serious condition and that the woman was hospitalized as a trauma patient. The 47-year-old female driver of the Toyota was also hospitalized with what were described as moderate injuries.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Katara family for their tragic loss. We wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
If Your Car Stalls on the Freeway
An investigation into this crash will likely reveal more details about precisely what occurred here and who may have been at fault. Was the driver who struck the stalled vehicle impaired, distracted or otherwise negligent? This incident also shines a light into the importance of taking adequate precautions if your vehicle stalls on the freeway.
If your car stops for some reason on the freeway, be sure to keep your eyes on the road and pull as far out of the travel lanes, if that is possible. Turn on your emergency flashers and call 911 for help. CHP officers may arrive at the scene to help you and direct traffic in a safe manner. The safest place you can be if your vehicle stalls on the freeway is in your vehicle with your seatbelt on. This way, you are out of the way of distracted or speeding motorists and large trucks, which can cause significant damage. If you must leave your vehicle, look very carefully to make sure traffic is clear and get as far away from the roadway as possible.
If you have been injured or if a loved one has been fatally injured by a negligent motorist, an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer will be able to provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/06/15/2-dead-at-the-scene-3-injured-in-405-freeway-crash-in-seal-beach/