Two Killed, Five Injured in Multi-Vehicle Accident
Two people were killed and five injured in a multi-vehicle accident on June 12. One of the injured, a 15-year-old, was in critical condition. The accident took place on the 71 Freeway in Chino Hills, near Butterfield Ranch Road, around 8:15 a.m.
A box truck in the southbound lanes apparently rear-ended a sedan initially. The impact overturned the truck and sent it across several lanes. A pileup totaling seven vehicles ensued. The two fatalities and critically injured person were all in the same car.
Video shows that one vehicle was crushed underneath the overturned truck, and several others were severely damaged.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is still investigating the cause of the accident. At the scene, the cause was unclear, as there were no skid marks. The driver of the truck will be interviewed.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident in Southern California
Who is liable in a multi-vehicle accident? The Chino Hills pileup is still under investigation, so news of the causes – and thus the responsibility for the crash – is still to come. But some general comments on multi-vehicle accidents can be made.
Truck accidents, in particular, can have very complicated causes. The fault may rest with one factor or a combination of factors. Driver error, such as going too fast or braking too quickly, is sometimes the cause of a truck’s striking another vehicle and overturning. But that can be caused by many other factors as well. If a truck is improperly maintained, the brakes or other devices may not be in shape to ensure proper handling or safety. If a truck is improperly loaded, both its balance and the ability of the driver to handle it can be negatively impacted. There are multiple other factors that might be at play.
In addition, trucking companies often employ contractors and subcontractors to maintain and load their vehicles. Errors on the part of these third parties could involve them in liability for the crash.
Pileup accidents can have multiple causes as well. Drivers may be going too fast or be distracted and may fail to notice the need to stop in time. Mechanical malfunctions can also be at fault, as can a host of other factors, including road conditions and weather.
If You Need a Vehicle Accident Lawyer in the Los Angeles Area
If you or a loved one have been hurt or killed in a truck accident or a car accident in the Los Angeles area, it’s a very good idea to discuss the matter with a seasoned attorney. Attorneys work with investigators to determine any fault.
The Ellis Injury Law firm has been protecting the rights of the injured in southern California for more than 20 years. Our initial consultation is always free.
Call us today at 310-300-7777.
Additional Resources:
- McMillan, Rob and ABC7.com staff. 2 killed after box truck overturns on 71 Freeway in Chino Hills. June 13, 2019. https://abc7.com/2-killed-after-big-rig-overturns-on-71-freeway-in-chino-hills/5343701/.
- MSN. 2 Killed, Teen Critically Injured In Multi-Car Pileup On 71 Freeway In Chino Hills. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/2-killed-teen-critically-injured-in-multi-car-pileup-on-71-freeway-in-chino-hills/vi-AACMLFI