California Personal Injury Attorneys

Lavonte Ford, 34, was fatally injured in a Los Angeles truck accident after he was struck and killed by a big rig on the 210 Freeway in Irwindale the morning of November 6, 2009. According to a news report in the Pasadena Star News, Ford's 1985 Volkswagen broke down near the Irwindale Avenue off ramp and he had to pull over to the shoulder of the freeway. Ford then tried to leave his car through the driver's side door when the big rig hit him. California Highway Patrol officials said the truck driver remained at the accident site and dialed 911. Ford was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was not arrested or cited pending an investigation.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lavonte Ford for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep Ford and his family in your prayers. This accident is yet another reminder to all of us that the freeway can be an extremely dangerous place.

Los Angeles Traffic Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four pedestrian accident-related injuries were reported in Irwindale, California. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 fatalities and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of all car accidents in 2007.

Based on this news account, Ford's car broke down and he was able to safely maneuver his way to the shoulder. If the report is accurate, Ford parked legally on the freeway shoulder where he was supposed to park in such an emergency situation. It is not clear how and why the big rig struck him. The driver of the truck may have been going too close to the shoulder or may have swerved just a little and struck Ford. If I were a member of Ford's family, I would want to know whether the big rig driver was impaired, fatigued, distracted or otherwise negligent in this case. The truck driver, however, did the right thing by stopping at the scene of the accident and getting help for the critically injured victim.

Truck Accident Liability Issues

If it is determined that the truck driver did cause the accident and is at fault, then both he and his employer -- the trucking company -- could be held liable for Ford's death. Ford's family would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has a successful track record handling big rig accident cases and the resources to financially pursue trucking companies on behalf of injured victims and their families. Truck accident victims should remember never to talk to any insurance adjusters or attorneys for the trucking company before they have consulted with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who will make sure that their rights and best interests are being protected.

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.