People should always make safety a top priority when they get in the driver’s seat of an automobile. Part of driving safely involves adhering to all traffic laws, including those related to traffic control devices. However, safe driving also requires people to operate their vehicles at appropriate speeds for the particular road conditions. This may mean slowing down to a speed that is below the limit under certain circumstances.
A recent motor vehicle accident in Orange County possibly could have been avoided if motorists had adjusted their driving for the terrain. The multi-vehicle accident happened on the 405 Freeway in nearby Westminster. According to California Highway Patrol dispatchers, one vehicle overturned, and nine others were involved in the accident that occurred at about 10 a.m. Emergency crews took six people to hospitals, one of whom was in serious condition.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, but one CHP officer opined that he thought it was a result of people driving at speeds of up to 70 mph when traveling up a hill. Stopped traffic was on the other side of the hill, and the vehicles that were cresting it could not stop in time.
Although the definitive cause of this accident is not yet known, any injured people who were in stopped vehicles on the other side of the hill seem to have been innocent victims. As with other auto accidents, victims can pursue medical expenses and other damages from anyone whose negligence may have contributed to the accident.
Sometimes, motor vehicle accidents may appear to have been unavoidable. But a thorough investigation often reveals that someone involved could have taken reasonable steps that would have prevented the accident. In these cases, the negligent drivers may be held legally liable for injuries suffered in the accident.
Source: Press Telegram, “At least 6 hurt in 10-car crash on 405 Freeway in Westminster,” Scott Schwebke, Oct. 21, 2016
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