Lake Balboa Crash Injures Multiple People, Including 2 LAPD Officers
A roll-over car accident in Lake Balboa left multiple people injured on Monday, August 13, 2018. Some media reports have claimed that as many as nine people were injured, while others put the figure at five. It’s thought that two Los Angeles Police Department officers also sustained injuries in the crash, and it’s been reported that at least one police car was involved in the collision. No fatalities have been reported.
Non-life-threatening injuries were reported in the Lake Balboa crash
Medical personnel who treated the victims stated that at least three older individuals and two children had sustained injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to severe. The identities of the victims were not released.
The crash happened along Victory Boulevard and Hayvenhurst Avenue at about 8:10 PM. The police report indicates that a sedan had been proceeding in a westward direction along Victory Boulevard. At that time, an SUV executed a left-hand turn onto Hayvenhurst. It’s thought that the sedan clipped the SUV when the SUV was turning. After this collision, both the sedan and the SUV struck a nearby police car, which had also been preparing to make a left-hand turn. The police car slid into the sedan and the SUV overturned.
The responding emergency personnel included paramedics and Los Angeles firefighters.
Cause of the crash not yet known
The cause of the collisions remains under investigation. During the coming days, forensic experts will examine the vehicles, the crash site, and the surveillance footage in an effort to determine the likely cause. Investigators will also use witness statements, including statements by the two involved officers. It’s possible that the drivers of the sedan and/or SUV were asked to submit to drug and alcohol testing.
Common liability issues in car accident cases
Liability issues regarding this particular crash are not yet clear. In any car accident case, one of the first possibilities that investigators consider is the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other possibilities include distracted driving, reckless driving, or fatigued driving. Reckless driving would include violations such as speeding and executing an unsafe turn. Sometimes, mechanical defects or failures play a role in a collision.
Determining the cause of any car accident is a crucial step toward holding the responsible party accountable for the damages. Insurance won’t always cover all of the damages, and it’s sometimes necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for property damage, damaged or totaled vehicles, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to contact a personal injury attorney early to ensure you receive the proper legal counseling you deserve.
Personal injury representation in Los Angeles, California
During the past two decades, the personal injury lawyers at Ellis Injury Law in Los Angeles, CA have secured more than $350 million in settlements on behalf of our clients. When a car crash has left you with medical bills, property damage, or other losses, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer you can count on to uphold your legal rights and secure the compensation you’re entitled to. We never charge a fee unless we win, and our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are always happy to provide a free case review. Call today for yours at 888-654-7056.
Additional resources:
- Los Angeles Times, 9 people injured in Lake Balboa crash involving a police car, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lake-balboa-crash-20180814-story.html
- NBC4, Police Cruiser Involved in Lake Balboa Crash, https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Police-car-Involved-in-Lake-Balboa-Crash-490789221.html