WEST COVINA, CA (December 14, 2022) – A CHP officer was injured while seated in his parked patrol vehicle and suffered moderate injuries when his SUV was rear-ended today on the 10 Freeway in West Covina.
Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched at 1:54 p.m. to the eastbound side of the freeway at Barranca Street, said Assistant Fire Chief Mike Fountain of the West Covina Fire Department.
The CHP officer was stopped on the right shoulder, seated in his patrol vehicle, conducting a traffic stop of a Toyota Corolla at the time of the crash, according to the CHP.
A Toyota Sequoia and a Toyota Tacoma were involved in an earlier crash. As a result of that crash, the driver of the Toyota Sequoia lost control of the SUV and it rear ended the CHP vehicle. The impact of that crash pushed the CHP vehicle forward, rear ending the stopped Toyota Corolla.
Paramedics rushed the CHP officer, with moderate injuries, to Pomona Valley Medical Center. The 55-year-old man driving the Toyota Sequoia was taken to Emante Health Inter-Community Hospital in Covina with minor injuries.
The drivers of the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Corolla suffered minor injuries and were not taken to a hospital. No arrests were made in connection with the crash.
Anyone with any information regarding the crash was urged to call the CHP’s Baldwin Park Office at 626-338-1164 or the CHP’s Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3410.
[via CNS]
Liability In West Covina 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 the Accident That Injured a CHP Officer in West Covina
We at Accident News Now extend our well wishes to the CHP officer injured in this collision, and wish him a speedy recovery. 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 West Covina car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers 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.