Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

The Los Angeles Times reported today that six people were killed in a horrific crash on Highway 395 Monday night, about five miles south of Bishop in Inyo County. The August 9th accident, which involved a southbound SUV and a northbound Ford Econoline van, happened just after 8 p.m. The driver of the SUV lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons, and drifted off the shoulder, across the center median, and into the van carrying athletes from California Baptist University in Riverside. The SUV burst into flames following the collision.

The SUV was believed to be carrying athletes on a cross-country running team from the San Diego area. The injured victims included Derek Randal Thomas, 19, of Encinitas, who was flown to West Hills Hospital in Reno, Nevada with major injuries. Drew Constantine Delis, 22, of Encinitas, who also suffered major injuries, was transported to San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield.

The LA Times reported that eleven student athletes from Cal Baptist were taken to area hospitals with minor to serious injuries: David Solis, 19, of Corona; Alyssa Neimeyer, 19, of Temecula; Brenda Perez, 20, of Riverside; Alicia Catanese, 21, of Corona; Kayla M. Beaudoin, 19, of Corona; Jennifer McGuire, 17, of Stevenson Ranch; Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 18, of Hacienda Heights; Marissa Benson, 18, of Gresham, Ore; Jonathan Hernandez, 18, of Moreno Valley; Jonathan Monteon, 18, of Chino; and Hanna Ingulsrud, 19, of Ontario.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability

The cause of the August 9th crash remains under investigation. Based on the information provided in initial news reports, it is not clear who was responsible for this accident.

Highway accidents have unique and complex legal issues. In situations such as this one, while the accident is still being investigated by the California Highway Patrol, the injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer. An attorney who has represented passenger victims of Highway 395 crashes can help the victims protect their legal rights following a mass casualty accident such as this one. Whether this accident was caused by a negligent driver, or a defect in one of the vehicles, an experienced highway accident lawyer will be able to help the victims protect their rights and ultimately recover the compensation they are entitled to for their injuries, or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Continue reading "Multiple Fatalities and Major Injuries Reported in Highway 395 Crash Near Bishop " »

A high-speed head-on collision early Friday morning left two people dead and one person critically injured, the Los Angeles Times reported. According to Mercury News, authorities were investigating whether one of the drivers deliberately caused the crash by driving the wrong-way (eastbound in the westbound lanes) at high speeds on Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1). The collision, which involved a Saturn and a Ford Mustang, occurred near Zuma View Place at 12:42 a.m.

Authorities believe the Saturn sedan was travelling the wrong way, going eastbound in the westbound lanes, at speeds of more than 80 mph. Two women in another vehicle that was not involved in the collision said that moments before the crash, the Saturn had made a sudden U-turn and apparently deliberately drove toward their vehicle. They were able to avoid crashing into the Saturn, but it collided with the Mustang moments later.

Both vehicles burst into flames upon impact, and both the driver of the Saturn and the driver of the Ford Mustang were killed. A 24-year-old passenger in the Mustang suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg, a broken arm, and a head injury. The two occupants of the Mustang were reportedly naval officers from the Port Hueneme base.

Cause of the Fatal PCH Crash

If news reports are accurate, the driver of the Mustang caused this fatal head-on collision, and authorities are looking at whether the driver of the Saturn was trying to commit suicide. However, the cause of the crash still remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. A CHP spokesman said the driver of the Saturn, whose name was not released, was believed to be from Minnesota. According to Mercury News, friends of the driver of the Saturn reportedly told the agency that the young man had a drinking problem and that his brother had died recently. This Los Angeles County accident is devastating on many levels, not just because two people died, but because the accident could have been so easily prevented.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Liability

Numerous unique legal issues arise when a driver that causes a crash is also killed in a collision. While this crash remains under investigation, the family members of the two occupants of the Mustang would be well-advised to talk to an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney as soon as possible, who can help them protect their rights following this tragic head-on collision. A skilled attorney can advise the families of how to handle communications with the insurance companies to ensure they receive the maximum financial compensation resulting from this accident and the wrongful death and serious personal injuries it caused.

Continue reading "Two People Killed, One Critically Injured in Head-On Crash on PCH in Malibu " »

Four people, including two small children, were killed shortly after 12:30 p.m. Saturday in a fiery multi-vehicle accident near Jurupa, in Ontario. The victims, an adult man, an adult woman, and two small children, all died at the scene when their vehicle burst into flames. The crash involved six vehicles, including three big-rig trucks, a U-Haul truck, and two passenger vehicles.

According to California Highway Patrol reports, the victims were in a vehicle at the end of a long chain reaction of collisions in a construction zone. Their vehicle caught on fire after it was sandwiched between two tractor-trailer trucks, possibly rear-ended and pushed into another tractor--trailer. Three other people suffered minor injuries in the San Bernardino County crash.

The accident marks the most deadly collision this year in the Inland Empire area. The CHP has assembled a special task force to investigate this multi-vehicle crash. Our hearts go out to the family members of the victims as they are grieving this tragic and unexpected loss of four people.

Multi-vehicle accidents, especially involving as many vehicles as this one, can be complex accidents to investigate. More than one party may be responsible, and more than one party may be held liable for causing a crash. While this accident is under investigation, the family of those killed in this accident would likely benefit from consulting with a San Bernardino wrongful death attorney. The family may be entitled to compensation from whoever caused this deadly accident, including other motorists, the tractor-trailer operators, and even possibly the agency responsible for maintaining the roadway, if their actions caused this accident. An attorney can review accident reports, gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and ultimately help family members obtain answers and compensation for their loss.

Continue reading "Four People Killed Saturday in 6-Vehicle Accident on Interstate 15 Near Ontario" »

Los Angeles county fire officials reported that six adults, a child and an infant suffered burn injuries ranging from minor to moderate when the minivan they were riding in burst into flames on the 60 Freeway (Pomona Freeway) in Industry.

It is not clear from news reports whether the minivan struck another vehicle and burst into flames, or if it burst into flames and then struck another vehicle. At least one other vehicle was involved in the accident, which was reported Monday morning shortly after 6:15 a.m. The incident occurred on westbound 60, near Azusa Avenue.

Vehicle fires are sometimes caused by defective vehicle parts. The make and model of the vehicle involved in this accident was not included in news reports. Nonetheless, those who suffered burn injuries in this accident would be wise to consult with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to determine if a vehicle defect caused or contributed to this accident.

Continue reading "Eight People Injured After Minivan Burst Into Flames in Industry " »