California Personal Injury Attorneys

A 52-year-old man who was critically injured in a car accident in Los Angeles has been identified as veteran California Highway Patrol Officer Phillip Ortiz. KTLA News reports that the collision, which involved multiple vehicles, occurred the morning of June 9, 2010 on the 405 Freeway in Culver City, and was set off by a driver who illegally passed traffic on the right shoulder. Ortiz had made a traffic stop when he was hit by an Infiniti sedan. He was taken to an area trauma center with life-threatening injuries. Four others victims were also transported to hospitals, of which one had been severely injured, officials said.

I sympathize with Phillip Ortiz and his family for what they are going through at this time. I wish this officer the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accidents

Countywide in Los Angeles, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). In Culver City, three people died and 267 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Fault and Liability

Based on the information in this news report, it appears that the driver of the Infiniti was at fault as he attempted to illegally pass the other vehicles. Was the driver under the influence, distracted or otherwise negligent at the time of the crash? I trust officials are looking into exactly what caused this tragic accident. In such cases, the at-fault parties can be held financially responsible for covering medical expenses, hospitalization costs and other damages suffered by the victims.

A reputedpersonal injury attorney in Los Angeles will help injured victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options. In such cases, it is very important that victims refrain from talking to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other parties. Victims should not sign any papers or enter into agreements without talking first to their own lawyer, who will look out for their best interests.

What are some dangerous driving practices you see commonly occurring on our freeways?

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.