An auto accident usually happens due to recklessness or negligence, and those who are injured or killed are often innocent bystanders who also happen to be traveling the same road. There are times, however, when people with good intentions put themselves and others in harm’s way.
A multicar crash proved fatal for two people on the 5 Freeway in Orange County on the morning of April 24. The series of incidents began when a car crashed into the center barrier near Jamboree Road in Irvine. A woman driving an Acura stopped to assist the driver. The car that crashed was still in the roadway when a Toyota Camry crashed into both cars. This caused a chain reaction when another car came and smashed into the Camry, and that car was soon struck by a minivan.
Both occupants of the Camry perished in the crash. Emergency responders with the Orange County Fire Department reported that three motorists suffered moderate injuries, and another suffered injuries described as minor. Yet another driver had very minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
A California Highway Patrol officer commented on the crash, saying that cars involved in minor auto accidents should quickly move their cars off of the roadway to safety before taking the time to call for assistance. As for motorists who see an accident or its aftermath, the officer recommended pulling off to safety, calling 911 and being a good witness.
Determining liability in multi-vehicle accidents can be an exceedingly complicated matter. If you or a family member has been involved in such a crash, then a personal injury attorney can help handle your case and provide legal guidance in the wake of the accident.
Source: NBC Los Angeles, “Driver’s Attempt to Help Might Have Led to Fatal Orange County Crash,” Jonathan Lloyd and Vikki Vargas, April 24, 2014
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