A Los Angeles car accident seriously injured five people the morning of December 14, 2009. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the injury accident that occurred on the 605 Freeway near the 10 Freeway in Baldwin Park, involved five vehicles and began when driver Rachel Gaytan lost control of her black Honda CRV. Gaytan's Honda then struck a Nissan Murano driven by 56-year-old Heidi Russell, which slammed into a 42-year-old Alfredo Santana's Pontiac Grand Prix. The Pontiac then struck a big rig, which in turn hit a Honda Accord.

Russell, Gaytan and Santana were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. However, it was Russell who sustained the most serious injuries. California Highway Patrol officials said Gaytan caused the chain reaction crash by swerving. But she said that she swerved off the lanes because she was cut off by another driver.

I'm glad no one sustained catastrophic injuries in this car accident. I hope and pray that all the injured victims in this crash have a speedy and complete recovery from their injuries. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accidents in Los Angeles

According to CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 302 injuries involving car accidents in Baldwin Park. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 deaths and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in 2007.

Car Accident Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it was Gaytan who initially caused the collision by swerving off her lane and colliding with the Murano. That set off a series of collisions. I trust officials are looking into why Gaytan lost control of her vehicle. Was she distracted, speeding or negligent in some way? If she was negligent and caused this crash, then she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to look into how or why this crash occurred and who should be held responsible

We are 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 a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.