If you live or work in the Los Angeles area, then you know how frustrating the traffic can be and how often accidents happen on the area’s freeways. Yet another example of how quickly a pile-up can occur happened on the afternoon of March 10, 2010. According to news reports in the Press Telegram, the accident took place in the northbound lanes of the 710 Freeway near Pacific Coast Highway. It appears as if a Coca-Cola van collided with a Caltrans van. That then caused a chain-reaction with another Caltrans truck and an SUV. The exact cause of the initial collision between the Coca-Cola van and the Caltrans van is unclear at this time. As a result of this multiple vehicle accident, six people were injured. Two of the victims were critically injured and were transported to area hospitals. The other four victims suffered less serious injuries – but were injured nonetheless.
As the investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, it is difficult to say who will ultimately be responsible for compensating the victims, according to personal injury lawyer Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates in California. From the reports that are available at this time, it appears as thought the Coca-Cola van precipitated the accident. If that is ultimately determined to be the cause, then both the driver of the truck and his employer – Coca-Cola – may be held liable for compensating the victims for any injuries that they suffered. In a multiple vehicle accident, you frequently have more than one party that is negligent. It may take law enforcement days, or weeks, to determine the chain of events that led to all four vehicles being involved in the crash. After that, each party’s negligence, or lack thereof, will have to be determined. It may be that the Coca-Cola van was wholly responsible for the accident. However it may also be that one of the other drivers also contributed to the cause of the accident. Under the laws of negligence in the State of California, more than one person, or entity, can share the blame for an accident.
After it has been determined how the accident happened, then the victims can begin the process of seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, damage to their vehicles and pain and suffering caused by the accident. If the driver of the Coca-Cola van was negligent, then the victims may be able to seek compensation from him individually as well as from his employer – Coca-Cola. The laws of negligence are very complicated and case specific; however it is sometimes the case that an employer can be liable for the negligent acts of his employee. If that is the case in this accident, then the victims will be able to recover damages from Coca-Cola for their injuries.
If you have been involved in an auto accident, seek the advice of an experienced California personal injury lawyer immediately. Time is of the essence in personal injury lawsuits and the sooner you seek legal advice the better position you will be in. If you would like your case evaluated by an experienced California personal injury lawyer, feel free to contact Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at his toll-free number 1-800-300-0001 or visit his website at www.ledgerlaw.com
