California is an expansive state; getting from one place to another often requires traveling on a highway. Even commuting around Orange County can mean a highway ride in a motor vehicle. Because it is so common for people in the area to drive dozens of miles at a time, it can be easy to forget just how dangerous it is to drive at higher speeds on a highway.
A recent highway crash on the southbound 605 freeway is a stark reminder of how a fatal car accident can unfold in the blink of an eye. Orange County firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene, where they found the wreckage from a crash that involved three vehicles.
According to the California Highway Patrol, two vehicles were traveling in the left lane when one hit the other from behind. The driver in the vehicle in front then lost control of the car after being struck from behind.
A 23-year-old woman died at the scene of the accident. The deceased victim was a passenger in one of the vehicles, though it is unclear which one.
Another woman in her 20s was driving that vehicle; she was hurt in the crash but expected to recover.
One other driver was injured, it was a man driving in a third car, though his injuries were minor.
All drivers in California should always be conscious of safety and be vigilant about trying to avoid motor vehicle accidents. In too many cases, however, another driver’s negligence can cause an accident that has deadly consequences. A further investigation into this particular crash may uncover exactly why one driver rear-ended the other car.
Drivers and passengers who are victims of another person’s negligent driving can recover an array of damages from that driver. No amount of money is worth a life though, and drivers should always put safety first.
Source: The Orange County Register, “Crash on 605 in Los Alamitos leaves woman dead, two others injured,” April 26, 2015
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