LOS ANGELES, CA (August 5, 2022) – Six people, including an infant and a pregnant woman ID’d as 23-year-old Asherey Ryan, were killed and eight other people were injured in a fiery multi-vehicle Windsor Hills crash caused by a speeding car that ran a red light.
Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters were called just before 1:40 p.m. Thursday to La Brea and Slauson avenues, near Ladera Park, on what was initially reported as a fire and discovered that at as many as six vehicles had collided in the intersection after a Mercedes-Benz was seen speeding southbound on La Brea Avenue, resulting in the fire, the department reported.
Video from the scene showed the suspect Mercedes-Benz traveling at a high rate of speed, running a red light at the intersection and crashing directly into a dark-colored sedan, which in turn struck several other vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz and two other vehicles burst into flames following
the collision, and the wreck came to a stop at the southwest corner of the intersection after striking a gas station sign.
The fire department and the California Highway Patrol reported three adults and one infant died in the Windsor Hills crash, and that there were multiple ejections due to the crash. One of those killed in the crash, Asherey Ryan, lost her baby as a result of the collision and the fetus was being counted among the deceased “due to rare circumstances,” the Los Angeles Times reported.
The CHP reported a sixth victim was later found dead in the burned wreckage of one vehicle, though further information was not immediately available. At least eight other people were injured in the collision, though the extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
The Mercedes-Benz was driven by a 40-year-old woman 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.
The minors who died ranged in age from 1 to 16, KCAL reported.
A CHP spokesman said the agency plans to file multiple criminal charges against the driver with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, KABC 7 reported.
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.”
One man was choked up after seeing Asherey Ryan, saying he has grandchildren of his own and was distraught that this child never had a chance.
The intersection of La Brea and Slauson avenues reopened around 3:30 a.m. Friday.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
We will continue to update this story with more information as it becomes available to us.
[via City News Now]
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 A Windsor Hills Crash
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Asherey Ryan and the other victims of 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.