A fiery Los Angeles car accident left one man dead and his passenger hospitalized with injuries the morning of November 13, 2009. The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports that the man was driving westbound on the 60 Freeway near Grand Avenue in Diamond Bar, California, when he lost control of his vehicle, which then veered off the freeway, slid down the right shoulder and caught fire. California Highway Patrol officials said a passenger was injured and the driver died. The cause for this fatal car accident is not yet known. Authorities also, have not identified the driver or the injured passenger.

My heart goes out to the family of the deceased victim, as well as to the injured passenger involved in this single car accident. I sincerely hope he has not sustained serious injuries given the violent nature of this crash. Please keep them in your prayers.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people died and 407 sustained injuries in Diamond Bar car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, car accidents claimed 712 lives and injured 56,475 in 2007.

This news report is not clear on how or why the driver lost control of his car. There is no mention of whether the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel or whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this particular case, the driver may have lost control because of a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the vehicle. He may have suffered a medical condition. It is also possible the motorist went off the freeway because of a dangerous condition on the road.

Car Accident Liability Issues

In cases where car accidents and serious injuries are the result of a vehicle defect, the auto manufacturer could be held responsible. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused this accident then the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. Any claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within six months of an accident or injury. If this accident was caused by another driver's negligence, then that person could be held liable for the accident. An injured victim or his or her family would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who will make sure their legal rights are protected and that the negligent parties are identified and held responsible for their actions.

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.