California Injury Blog
Cynthia Brock, 53, of Costa Mesa was killed in a Santa Ana car accident, which officials say, was caused by a dropped mattress on the 55 Freeway.
According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the crash occurred in the northbound lanes of the freeway near the Dyer Road exit the night of February 13, 2015.
California Highway Patrol officials say Brock was driving a 1982 Toyota Celica that hit a mattress in the fast lane and then hit the center divider before coming to rest sideways on the freeway.
Brock’s Celica was then struck on the
driver’s side by a 2006 Ford Freestar van driven by Sherwin Ali Sabzerou, 19, of Irvine, and was pushed into the path of a 1999 Toyota sedan that rear-ended the Celica.
The impact spun Brock’s car, which was then hit head-on by a 1995 Honda. Sabzerou fled the scene. CHP officials tracked him down to his home and he was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Two other people who were injured were transported to a local trauma center.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends of Cynthia Brock for their tragic loss. We also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that a mattress that was dropped on the roadway triggered the accident. It also appears that one of the drivers was under the influence at the time. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California law.
California law also prohibits anyone from throwing or dumping debris on the highway.
California Vehicle Code section 23112 (a) states: “No person shall throw or deposit, nor shall the registered owner or the driver, if such owner is not then present in the vehicle, aid or abet in the throwing or depositing upon any highway any bottle, can, garbage, glass, nail, offal, paper, wire, any substance likely to injure or damage traffic using the highway, or any noisome, nauseous, or offensive matter of any kind.”
Fault and Liability
In such cases, the person who dropped the debris on the roadway can be held liable. If the person was on the job at the time, his or her employer can also be held accountable. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.