WESTLAKE LOS ANGELES, CA (June 13, 2022) – Nine people were injured when a 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck lost control and veered onto a sidewalk in Westlake.
ABC 7 News reports that the accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Alvarado Street and Wilshire Boulevard.
Initial reports say that the driver thought a gun was being pointed at him, causing him to panic and lose control of the vehicle. He then struck a curb and drove onto the sidewalk, plowing into several street vendors and pedestrians.
Multiple people were injured, and emergency response crews arrived at the scene immediately.
According to LAPD officials, “The driver, passenger, one male pedestrian, three female pedestrians, a female 8-year-old child, and a male 8-year-old child were transported for precautionary reasons to local hospitals.”
Additionally, two male adults and one female adult refused medical treatment.
The driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and has not been arrested. LAPD officers are still investigating the accident.
Liability In Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our well wishes to everyone injured in this accident and hope for a speedy recovery. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Los Angeles car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.