California Injury Blog
A major car accident in Santa Clarita involving two cars and a big rig left two people dead and several others injured early morning on September 4, 2012. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the fatal crash occurred on the 5 Freeway near Gorman. California Highway Patrol officials say the cars were traveling southbound and collided with each other for an unknown reason. Four of the injured have been hospitalized in critical condition, while five more sustained non-life-threatening injuries. At least one of the victims is a child who has been rushed to the hospital for treatment. The investigation is ongoing.
I offer my deepest condolences to the deceased victims of this car accident. My heart also goes out to the many injured victims of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Crash Statistics
According to CHP’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven fatalities and 645 injuries involving car accidents in Santa Clarita. During the same year, 530 people died and 50,513 were injured as a result of car accidents in Los Angeles County.
What Caused This Fatal Accident?
Based on this news report, it appears that the two cars were traveling in the same direction when they collided. There are still several unanswered questions here. Was this a rear-end collision? Did one of the vehicles make an unsafe lane change? Did alcohol, drugs or excessive speed play a part? Did fatigued or drowsy driving contribute to this crash? I trust CHP investigators are still looking into these and other factors in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Protecting Victims’ Rights
In such cases injured victims and families of deceased victims would be well advised to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, who will stay on top of the official investigation as well as ensure that the victims’ legal rights and best interests are protected. The at-fault party can be held liable here for injuries, damages and losses. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical and funeral costs, lost future income and benefits, and loss of love and companionship.