DOWNEY, CA (May 12, 2022) – Three California Highway Patrol officers were injured in a fiery crash on I-105 near Lakewood Avenue in the Downey area.
The accident occured on April 28 around 1:30 a.m. when the CHP officers stopped their SUV to direct traffic away from an accident that had occured 90 minutes earlier.
A male officer who was standing outside the vehicle directing traffic suffered major injuries, but is expected to be ok. Two other officers, male and female, were sitting inside the CHP vehicle and suffered moderate injuries as a result of the crash.
All three CHP officers were taken to St. Francis Medical Center to have their injuries treated.
An unidentified woman slammed into the rear of the officers’ vehicle and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. She reportedly made no attempts to slow down and slammed into the CHP’s vehicle, causing it to erupt into flames.
Liability In Downey 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 Downey Car 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 Downey 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 (888) 395-7234.