Los Angeles 19-Plus-Car Pileup
Santa Clarita, a city only a mare thirty miles from Los Angeles, experienced a serious auto accident pileup that resulted in many unnecessarily injured victims and vehicle damage. This accident alone will cost thousands of dollars in medical expenses, missing work and auto repairs. The headaches and financial costs will have a spillover affect beyond the accident and onto commuters who may be late to work and are stuck in traffic.
English: Greater Los Angeles Basin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There was one big rig involved and at least 19 other vehicles on the 14 State Route near Acton in Agua Dulce Tuesday morning. There was at least 17 people injured, two of which were critically injured.
Raw online video footage shows the intensity of the wreckage. Cars, pickup trucks and SUVs scraped together on top of each other were left crushed. Panning out, the footage shows groups of fire department workers working to clear the crash. Zooming further out, miles of traffic heading south are on a stand still.
Per the 9:45 a.m. crash report, Los Angeles County Fire Captain Mark Salvage said there were at least “19 vehicles involved, at least one or two big-rigs.” The crash site despite of the number of vehicles involved did not need a hazmat team, there were no fire or hazardous materials spilled. The accident happened near the Escondido Canyon Road exit.
There was one person who was trapped and needed assistance to be extricated. About 50 firefighters and a fleet of seven ambulances transported the 17 victims to local hospitals. Per KABC-TV, most of the injuries were minor and the victims will be able to leave the hospital soon.
All lanes heading south on the freeway and two heading north were closed. Due to the large amount of vehicles in the crash, there was no specific time allotted as to when the lanes would reopen.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Antelope Valley Freeway, as it is known locally, is no stranger to speeding vehicles that travel from high-desert bedroom communities to the Los Angeles basin, according to the Associated Press.
Speeding increases the chance of a car crash and puts many in danger of serious injury or death. Any person involved in an accident where they suffered injury should contact an injury lawyer.
Hiring a professional who has a proven track record of knowing the local law in depth increases the chances of success when it comes to obtaining compensation, dealing with insurance companies and recuperating financial loss. A Los Angeles injury lawyer will be of most benefit to those involved in the 20-plus-car pileup.
Reviewed by Chris H. in 2012.