110 Freeway Crash in Gardena Kills 4
California Highway Patrol has confirmed the identities of at least two victims who died in a fiery car accident along the 110 Freeway in Gardena. Police say the single car crash occurred near the interchange with the 91 Freeway around 3:30 in the morning last Sunday, November 27. Authorities say the vehicle plowed into a guardrail in the early morning hours before veering out of control and down an embankment, where the car burst into flames, killing all four occupants.
Ed Winter, of the L.A. County coroner’s office, confirmed that 18-year-old Compton resident Rocio Barron and 18-year-old Ivan Pacheco of Inglewood were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have yet to release the name of a third occupant, who was also a local teenager. Emergency responders say all occupants were initially trapped inside of the burning vehicle, and pronounced all four dead at the scene shortly after 3:45 p.m. The coroner’s office has yet to release the identity of the fourth victim, whose body was badly burned in the flames.
Vehicle traveling at high rate of speed
A California Highway Patrol officer who was dispatched to the scene provided the following statement about the 110 Freeway crash: “According to witnesses, a blue Ford Probe traveling at a high rate of speed, northbound Interstate 110, transition to westbound State Route 91, lost control and struck a support pillar.”
While excessive speed appears to be a likely factor in the accident, a CHP Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team is currently investigating all possible causes of the collision. Officials ask that anyone who witnessed the accident or has vital information to please contact the CHP Los Angeles office.
Car crashes caused by negligence
Speeding does not, in and of itself, constitute negligence every car accident claim. Other circumstances such as weather conditions, road hazards, vehicle defects and driver impairment are all relevant when attempting to establish liability.
In California, the law requires that motorists use reasonable care when driving. This entails obeying traffic signals, following posted speed limits and maintaining control of the car to avoid collision with other vehicles, as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Individuals who violate this duty of reasonable care by driving drunk, distracted or with reckless abandon may be held responsible in a court of law.
In the state of California, victims have two years from the date or injury or death to file a civil lawsuit after a car accident. These actions may seek compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one, or the financial and physical losses suffered by car crash victims that do survive.
Protect your legal rights
Ellis Law car accident attorneys leverage more than 25 years of experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims in Southern California. Our veteran legal team will investigate, litigate, negotiate and try your case if needed, fighting for maximum compensation.
Call any one of our 13 California office locations to schedule a free and confidential case review.