Three people were recently injured when a tractor-trailer in Los Angeles came into their car’s path of travel, violently striking the car. The 405 Freeway was closed for a time due to the seriousness of the injuries and damage to the road surface as well.
The truck was on the northbound side of the freeway when it struck the car. The force of the collision pushed the truck into the southbound lanes as it dumped concrete onto the road and pinned a car beneath it. It took several bystanders to assist people out of the car while a fire erupted in the wreckage.
Officers in the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that one of the survivors suffered burns over 80 percent of his body, which may cause long-term medical complications. “I started tearing up because just the sight of seeing somebody with flames around them and they’re moving, you know they’re potentially almost going to be burned alive,” said one of his rescuers.
Law enforcement officials are investigating the cause of the crash. The driver of the truck reported that he was cut off by another vehicle which forced a risky maneuver to change lanes. An investigative unit will determine if the driver should face criminal charges for the injury and damage caused by the collision.
Victims of truck accidents and the survivors of those killed by truck accidents have the right under California law to sue for financial damages. This may include reimbursement for economic damages such as medical expenses or lost wages during recovery as well as other payments for pain and emotional distress. An attorney can prepare such a case.
Source: KABC, “Truck-car crash on 405 leads to fiery wreck in Sepulveda Pass,” Melissa MacBride, May 01, 2018
