Twelve People Hospitalized in Wake of Grapevine Vehicle Pile-Up
Twelve people were hospitalized on Saturday, March 23, as accidents involving as many as 50 vehicles combined with thick fog to create a highly dangerous situation on the Grapevine.
One of the people hospitalized was in critical condition, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The others had minor injuries, including a 21-month-old child and a horse in a trailer that was rear-ended.
The Grapevine needed to be closed to allow access to emergency responders. At least one car was reported as being on fire. Traffic on both the northbound and southbound lanes was delayed and backed up for miles.
Weather Can Make Driving Hazardous
Police reports on this accident are preliminary. However, some general observations are in order about car accidents in southern California.
Weather can be a significant factor. In this case, it appears that fog and its attendant lack of visibility caused a massive pile-up of vehicles and multiple injuries. Fog, rain, sleet, smoke from fires, and snow can all be hazardous for motorists. In the last several months, southern California drivers have had to deal with all of these hazards at one time or another.
Drivers caught in low or no visibility conditions need to drive defensively. This may involve slowing down to below the speed limit. A safe driving speed is one in which drivers can stop in case a vehicle in front of them does, or in case debris suddenly appears on the roadway. Safe drivers will allow enough space in front of them to stop appropriately.
Drivers must always follow California state law regarding the operation of a vehicle.
If You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a driver who was not following the law or safe driving practices, let Ellis Law Corporation help.
We have more than two decades of experience investigating and successfully litigating vehicle accidents in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
All crashes can be complicated, and finding the responsible party requires thorough attention to detail. Please call today for a complimentary appointment to discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney. We win 99.9% of the cases we take, and you owe us nothing unless we win money for you!
Additional Resources:
- Associated Press. “12 People Hospitalized After 50-Vehicle Pileup in Los Angeles, Authorities Say.” Time. March 24, 2019. http://time.com/5557715/los-angeles-traffic-incident/
- All lanes reopened on I-5 Grapevine, several injured in pileup crash. ABC30. March 23, 2019. https://abc30.com/all-lanes-reopened-on-i-5-grapevine-several-injured-in-pileup-crash/5213919/.