Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

Authorities are investigating exactly what happened in a violent head-on car crash Tuesday night in the City of Industry. The accident occurred at about 7 p.m. on an overpass on Valley Boulevard near Stimson Avenue. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigators, a Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic before it struck an oncoming Ford Taurus head-on.

The man driving the Ford Taurus was killed. His wife and two children suffered critical injuries. CBS 2 reported that at least four people were airlifted from the crash, and that the blame was placed on the 25-year-old man driving the SUV, a Jeep Cherokee. The SUV reportedly crossed the median at about 65 mph. Witnesses speculated that the teen driver of the SUV may have been drunk. It was originally reported that a child had died in the accident, but sheriff's officials said that the initial reports were not correct.

The driver of the Jeep, Omar Vivar, 25, of La Puente, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, causing death and bodily injury.

Cause of the Crash

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating exactly what happened. However, based on the information provided in news reports, it appears that the driver of the Jeep Cherokee caused this crash by departing his traffic lane and striking the Ford head-on.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

When negligence or other wrongdoing (i.e. drunk driving) are factors in a head-on collision, the at-fault party may be held responsible for an accident in a civil claim. If the driver of the Jeep is determined to have caused this crash, as appears to be the case based on news reports, he may be liable for the wrongful death of the driver and the serious injuries of the passengers. While this July 13rh crash remains under investigation, the family members of the victims may benefit from contacting a Los Angeles auto accident attorney as soon as possible who can help them protect their legal rights and hold the at-fault driver accountable for his actions.