Hundreds of Crashes Occur in Los Angeles Area Due to Heavy Rains
Last week’s storm system and heavy rains hit southern California hard, causing an extraordinarily high number of traffic accidents. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), an astonishing 365 accidents were reported in Los Angeles County between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 29, more than four times as many as occur when conditions are not wet.
The high number of accidents were undoubtedly exacerbated by the rain-wet roads, the fact that many residents of the Los Angeles area are not used to driving in heavy rain, and the timing of the storm, which hit during peak commuter hours.
If you crashed during the heavy rains in southern California last week, may sure you take full advantage of the compensation that is owed to you for damages, losses, medical bills and lost work time. Call an experienced LA car accident lawyer at Ellis Law Corporation today!
Truck accidents caused extensive road closings
The CHP and local police issued multiple bulletins throughout the day on Twitter and other social media, reminding drivers that wet conditions don’t cause accidents – how people drive in wet conditions do. Motorists were urged to drive slowly, use their lights and wipers, and be extremely cautious vis-à-vis other drivers.
In addition to rain, the storm also brought higher than normal gusts of wind.
As accidents piled up, including accidents with big rigs, which can extend across lanes, roads closed on the 101, 118 and 134 for periods of time.
Rain Causes Mud Slides in Fire-Ravaged Districts
Throughout California, the rain and wind storm complicated the effects of recent devastating fires. Once land is burned, there is no longer vegetation to hold the land in place, and drenched earth can become a mudslide or flow of debris very easily.
Unfortunately, debris flows and mudslides occurred all over the Southland, trapping motorists and endangering residents. Roads were closed and residents ordered to evacuate in parts of Malibu. Debris flows were reported in Orange and Riverside counties. Schools were closed and residents had to be evacuated.
Mud and debris also were feared to contain potential health problems. State and local health officials urged residents to avoid beach water. Because of the runoff from fire debris and mudslides, the water could be filled with chemicals, bacteria, debris, trash, and other substances dangerous to public health.
A mudslide covered several vehicles in San Bernardino County and caused CHP to close certain portions of Highway 38.
In San Bernardino County’s Forest Falls, vehicles were trapped by a mudslide, prompting the California Highway Patrol to close Highway 38 between Sugar Pine Circle and Valley of the Falls Drive. In the Santa Barbara area, coin-sized hail was reported.
Did You Crash During the Heavy Rains in Los Angeles? Call Ellis Law Corporation
Rain, wind, fire debris, and mudslides caused hundreds of car accidents in our area recently. If you or someone close to you has been involved in one of these accidents in the Los Angeles area, attorneys at Ellis Law Corporation can help. We have been successfully fighting for the rights of people injured in car accidents in southern California for more than 20 years. You can trust in our track record: We win 99% of the cases we take on!
Contact us today for a free appointment at 310-641-3335.
Additional Resources:
- “365 accidents reported in 4-hour period during rain-soaked morning commute in SoCal.” ABC7. November 29, 2018. https://abc7.com/traffic/365-accidents-reported-in-4-hour-period-during-socal-storm/4794475/.
- Associated Press. “The Latest: Mudslide Prompts Evacuation Order in Malibu.” S. News and World Report. November 29, 2018. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2018-11-29/the-latest-rain-causes-wrecks-on-los-angeles-area-freeways.
- Fry, Hannah and Alene Tchekmedyian. “Rain triggers debris flows as storm rolls across fire-scarred regions of California.” Los Angeles Times. November 29, 2018. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2018-11-29/the-latest-rain-causes-wrecks-on-los-angeles-area-freeways.
- Rice, Doyle. “It’s Raining in Los Angeles, and People Are Freaking Out!” November 29, 2018. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california/articles/2018-11-29/the-latest-rain-causes-wrecks-on-los-angeles-area-freeways.