LOS ANGELES, CA (July 19, 2022) – Traffic was flowing again today over the new Sixth Street bridge between the Arts District and Boyle Heights after another street takeover that left the pavement scarred with skid marks, led to a crash involving at least three vehicles and forced police to close the span.
Video from the scene posted on YouTube and other social media channels showed the crash that occurred as a driver was performing a burnout on the
recently opened pavement around 11 p.m. Monday. Other drivers were spotted doing doughnuts and burnouts on the span as well.
It was at least the second takeover on the viaduct, which opened to traffic July 10 after years of construction.
There were no reports of any injuries, however, the driver of one car involved in Monday night’s crash fled the area on foot, abandoning the damaged Dodge Charger. No arrests were immediately reported, but police closed the bridge following the crash.
“It is the way things go, there’s positive uses and negative uses and everything in between. I think it’s just the fabric of the city,” Cameron Mayer, a visitor, told NBC4.
One person told KCAL9, “This is why we can’t have nice things.”
Over the weekend, video surfaced on social media showing drivers spinning their wheels and performing stunts on the Sixth Street bridge, also leaving the pavement scarred. Some people even crawled onto the ribbon-like arches that line the bridge so they could get elevated views of the action.
The $588 million Sixth Street Viaduct was reopened July 10 after a construction project that began in 2016, replacing the original 1932-vintage structure. The original bridge was an iconic landmark in the city, seen in movies including “Grease” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” but its aging structure was deteriorating, leaving it seismically unsound.
[via City News Service, image courtesy of NBC 4]
Update July 21, 2022: One of the drivers performing stunts on the Sixth Street Bridge had crashed into two other vehicles and destroyed partitions protecting the bike lane. After the collisions, the driver fled the scene by foot, leaving his car behind. Authorities searching for the hit-and-run driver say that he has turned himself in. The L.A. City Attorney’s Office is charging the driver with “Exhibition of Speed, Hit and Run Misdemeanor, Reckless Driving, and Lying to Police Officers.”
Liability In Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Car Accident
Do you need more information about a Sixth Street bridge 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.