Two people were injured in a Los Angeles car accident that involved three vehicles including a bus, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. California Highway Patrol officials say the injury collision occurred on the westbound 10 Freeway east of Puente Avenue in Baldwin Park the morning of August 30, 2010. A Foothill Transit bus apparently struck a 2008 Nissan Altima, which in turn hit a Jeep Cherokee. Officials believe the bus or a 2004 Dodge Ram traveling on the freeway may have made an unsafe lane change triggering the chain reaction crash. A passenger on the bus and the driver of the Nissan sustained injuries, but they are expected to survive.

I'm relieved to hear that no one sustained serious or catastrophic injuries as a result of this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) there were four fatalities and 289 injuries due to car accidents in Baldwin Park. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Law Relating to Unsafe Lane Changes

Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers involved in this crash made an unsafe lane change. California Vehicle Code Section 21658 (a) states that whenever a roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction the vehicle "shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety."

Fault and Liability

If the bus driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, then, he and his employer, the transit company, could be held liable for the injuries caused to the bus passenger and the driver of the Nissan. If the driver of the Dodge was at fault, then, he or she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused.

Accident victims in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of a crash and make sure that the negligent parties are held liable. Under California Government Code section 911.2, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of an accident or injury.

What are some of the dangerous driving practices you often see while driving?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

Bookmark and Share