LOS ANGELES, CA (August 5, 2022) – A memorial of balloons and flowers grew today in Windsor Hills at the scene of a fiery crash that killed six people, including an infant and 23-year-old Asherey Ryan, while investigators continued working to learn why a Mercedes-Benz driver plowed through the intersection at high speed, showing no signs of attempting to stop for a red light.
The coroner’s office on Friday identified one of the crash victims as 23-year-old Asherey Ryan of Los Angeles. Coroner’s office officials could not immediately confirm reports that Ryan was the pregnant woman killed in the horrific crash that occurred just before 1:40 p.m. Thursday at La Brea and Slauson avenues, near Ladera Park.
Dramatic surveillance video from the scene shows the Mercedes driver — described as a 40-year-old woman — plowing through the 35-mph zone on La Brea at speeds authorities estimate topped 100 mph — speeding through a red light at Slauson and broad-siding a vehicle. The crash ignited an inferno as the sedan struck by the Mercedes was pushed into other vehicles, which wound up against a gas station sign on the corner. A trail of fire was left burning in the intersection as the vehicles struck by the speeding driver were engulfed in flames.
As many as six vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction crash, with the heavily damaged Mercedes ending up near a bench down the street. The driver survived.
The fire department and the California Highway Patrol reported three adults and one infant died in the collision, and that there were multiple ejections due to the crash. Asherey Ryan, who was killed in the crash also lost her baby, and the male fetus was being counted among the deceased.
The CHP reported a sixth victim was later found dead in the burned wreckage of one vehicle, but further information about that person was not immediately available. At least eight other people were injured in the collision, though the extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
A media report from the scene Friday morning suggested all of the people injured in the crash have been released from hospitals — except for the Mercedes driver, who was being treated at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for major injuries, according to the CHP. According to NBC4, she is a travel nurse and was being interviewed by the CHP.
Her name was not released.
Community activists gathered at the intersection Friday, adding to a growing memorial for Asherey Ryan and other victims of the crash.
“This is a catastrophic situation that has taken place in our community,” activist Eddie Jones told reporters. “I cried all night, because someone innocent who did not deserve to lose their life, lost their life.”
Veronica Esquivel, 40, told the Daily News she was about to pump gas at one of the intersection’s four stations when the crash occurred.
“I heard the collision. I saw the fire… you see the fire at a gas station I just immediately thought explosion,” Esquivel said. “I saw things flying in the air… I didn’t know if something was going to come through and hit me.”
The intersection of La Brea and Slauson avenues reopened around 3:30 a.m. Friday.
[via City News Service]
Liability In Windsor Hills Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Asherey Ryan’s Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Asherey Ryan and the families of all the other victims in this tragic accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Windsor Hills 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 negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.