Officials have identified 67-year-old Michael Harris as one of two people who sustained fatal injuries in a Los Angeles car accident that occurred the evening of March 3, 2010 on the northbound 605 Freeway in Cerritos. The Long Beach Press Telegram reports that the accident occurred when a Ford van with seven people that was northbound on the freeway, went out of control and almost struck a Mitsubishi Lancer.

Two Fatalities, Five Critically Injured

Both vehicles swerved in order to avoid a crash and struck the freeway divider. Five people were thrown from the car. Harris and the other person were fatally injured. California Highway Patrol officials said five others suffered critical injuries. The Mitsubishi's driver was also hospitalized, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

I offer my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased victims. I also wish the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery. These injured victims and their families will be in my prayers.

Car Accidents

According to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics, there were three fatalities and 393 injuries involving car accidents in Cerritos. Countywide, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this report, it is not clear exactly how or why the Ford van went out of control. It appears speed or an unsafe lane change may have contributed to it. Officials are saying, based on their preliminary investigation, that no one in the van was wearing a seatbelt. However, if I were a member of the victims' families, I would want to find out if that was actually the case or if any occupant had been ejected because of seatbelt defects or failure.

If the van driver is determined to have been at fault here, then he or she could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will stay on top of the investigation and help protect the victims' and their families' legal rights and best interests.

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.