[12-10-2024] Los Angeles County, CA – Seven Injured in Multi-Car Accident Near Northridge Mall
Northridge, Los Angeles County – A four-vehicle accident near the Northridge Fashion Center sent seven individuals to the hospital on Monday morning, with one vehicle flipping over and coming to rest in the middle of the roadway.
The incident occurred shortly before noon on Dearborn Street, close to the popular shopping area.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that nine people were involved in the crash. Seven of them were transported to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The other two individuals declined medical transportation.
AIR7 captured aerial footage of the scene as authorities conducted their investigation. Among the injured were a woman and a child seen being placed into an ambulance on stretchers. They appeared to have only minor injuries. The collision left one vehicle overturned while another struck a tree.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. Dearborn Street has been closed to traffic as officials continue their investigation.
Source: ABC7
Who Can Claim Compensation in a Multiple Vehicle Accident?
In an accident involving multiple vehicles, several parties may be eligible to claim compensation depending on their role in the incident, the nature of their injuries or damages, and the applicable laws:
1. Injured Drivers
- Drivers who were not at fault and suffered injuries may be able to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage.
- If a driver shares partial fault, compensation may still be possible under comparative negligence laws, though the amount could be reduced.
2. Injured Passengers
- Passengers in any of the vehicles involved can typically file a claim against the insurance of the at-fault party or parties. Passengers are generally not considered at fault, making them eligible for compensation regardless of which vehicle they were in.
3. Pedestrians or Cyclists
- If a pedestrian or cyclist was injured in the accident, they could file a claim against the driver(s) responsible for the collision.
4. Property Owners
- If the crash caused damage to private property, such as a tree, fence, or building, the property owner may claim compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
5. Families of Victims
- If any injuries are severe or fatal, family members may be eligible to claim for loss of support, companionship, or wrongful death.
6. Insurance Companies
- Insurance companies covering the vehicles involved may seek compensation from the at-fault driver(s) to recover the costs of payouts to their policyholders.
Steps to Claim Compensation:
- Determine Fault: The police report and evidence from the scene (e.g., CCTV, witness statements) will help establish who was at fault.
- File Insurance Claims: Injured parties can file claims through their own insurance (in no-fault states) or against the at-fault party’s insurance (in fault-based systems).
- Consult Legal Counsel: In complex multi-vehicle accidents, hiring an attorney can help victims navigate liability issues and maximize compensation.
Each case is unique. Consulting with a car accident lawyer in California is crucial to understanding rights and pursuing claims. If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles CA call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 to schedule a free consultation. If you also need a copy of your accident’s police report, request it for free by filling out this contact form:
