Southern California Semi-Truck Crash Kills Mothers, Four Children

A fiery wreck killed two mothers and four of their children in northern Los Angeles County last month, after a semi-truck collided with their stalled minivan on Interstate 5.

According to officers with California Highway Patrol (CHP), the minivan was involved in a minor wreck prior to the deadly collision, and had come to a stop in part of the right lane. Authorities anticipate the truck was traveling at about 55 miles-per-hour when it struck the van from behind, forcing it off the road down an embankment.

The two fathers, who were situated in the front of the vehicle in the driver’s and passenger seats, suffered burns while trying to save their families from the crash. Both men were airlifted to an area hospital, where their conditions were listed as serious.

Authorities confirmed that the accident is under investigation, and did not reveal whether or not charges would be brought against the truck driver.

Truck Accidents in Southern California

Unfortunately, accidents involving large commercial trucks are not uncommon, especially on the busy roadways across Southern California. And according to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the consequences of those accidents are far-reaching with thousands dying, and hundreds of thousands experiencing personal injury annually.

Although trucking accidents account for less than five percent of injury-causing motor vehicle incidents, they tend to be far more severe in nature than other types of accidents. This is mostly due to the incredible size and weight of these commercial trucks, but when you consider other factors like speed, the consequences can be truly devastating.

As a result, there have been a number of federal laws and regulations put in place to help regulate the trucking industry. These statutes are meant to help establish safety guidelines that trucking companies, owners and operators must meet, in order to help minimize the risk for injury. These laws, which are enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FMCSA, are also used to help determine liability in trucking accidents.

However, determining liability is not always easy. In fact, there are many individuals or entities to consider when investigating any trucking accident, including:

• The owner of the trailer or truck
• The driver of the truck
• The individual or company that leased the trailer or truck from the owner
• The loader or shipper of the truck’s cargo (some cases may involve improper loading)
• The manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts, including tires or parts used for repairs

Personal Injury Claims in California

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, it is important that you contact the appropriate legal counsel as soon as possible.

In Los Angeles and other surrounding communities in Southern California, the Bedford Law Group, APLC assists victims of personal injury in finding the justice they both need and deserve. Our team of dedicated attorneys has years of experience in handling personal injury matters, including those related to truck accidents, and can provide the emotional support and sound legal advice you need during this difficult time.

We care about you and your recovery, and are here to help you and your loved ones today. To schedule an initial consultation to assess your case, contact the Bedford Law Group, APLC today at (310) 507-7900.