Three Injured & One Killed After 405 Freeway Accident
According to authorities, a car traveling along 405 South veered off the freeway and ran into a homeless encampment. One person was killed and three others injured.
The incident took place at Sherman Way in Van Nuys on Tuesday just before 6:14 pm on the southbound Interstate 405. The car drove off an embankment before landing on Strathern Street where the homeless community was located. With conditions ranging between fair and critical, all victims were taken to hospitals, including the still-unidentified driver. The deceased was hit by the car and suffered massive crush injuries.
Emergency crews responding to the accident found the victims trapped beneath the car. According to one fire department official, the survivor was rushed to the hospital within 15 minutes of the first responders’ arrival. The fatality, according to authorities, died from the impact and weight of the vehicle.
The right hand lane of the freeway was closed and reopened later in the evening.
The cause of the incident is still being investigated by officials with the California Highway Patrol.
Liability issues in auto accidents
In the wake of such a tragedy, victims and their loved ones invariably look at liability issues. For instance, many might automatically assume the driver is completely at fault. In some cases, this might be true. But a forensic investigation might uncover other issues that could factor into legal responsibility.
The driver of the initial vehicle may have been hit from behind, causing the first car to lose control. This could put the second driver in the hot seat for at least partial responsibility, if not for all of it. In another scenario, the vehicle in front of the original driver may have stopped short causing the original driver to swerve
Road conditions at the time of the accident are also critical. Were there any obstructions that might have caused the original driver to run off the freeway? Was the road wet?
The goal would be to make a final determination of accountability to see if legal action is warranted through a personal injury lawyer. A car accident claim may seek compensation for a host of economic and non-economic losses including: medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and – in fatal accidents – the wrongful death of a loved one.
Ellis Law’s Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers
The Los Angeles based personal injury firm of Ellis Injury Law have been litigating personal injury and wrongful death actions throughout Southern California for over two decades. We strive to get all our clients justice. If you or a loved one are not sure about the liability issues involved in your accident, a personal injury lawyer at our team will be able to help.
Call us at 310-641-3335 to arrange a free consultation with a qualified personal injury attorney.