California Sees Shocking Multi-Vehicle Crashes Throughout December

Also known as “chain-reaction crashes,” or simply “pileups,” multi-vehicle crashes have the highest potential for mass casualties in California. With more vehicles involved, there is a greater chance of numerous deaths and serious injuries. The worst accidents in California’s history have all been multi-vehicle crashes, and unfortunately, these types of accidents show no sign of slowing down. During the month of December alone, several multi-vehicle crashes were reported across Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and the rest of the State. These accidents caused numerous deaths and critical injuries – not to mention serious property damage. If you have been involved in a California multi-vehicle accident, you might be wondering how to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. 

Seven-Vehicle Crash Causes One Fatality in Los Angeles

On December 26, 2023, it was reported that one person lost their life in an East Los Angeles crash. The crash involved a total of seven vehicles, although police believe that this pileup was caused by two vehicles that collided before careening into the others. Along with one fatality, another individual was seriously injured. Photos from the scene show a pickup truck that somehow ended up on top of another vehicle. The lower vehicle was almost completely crushed with apparent frontal, rear, and roof impacts. Although the LAPD released very few details about the crash, one person was reportedly taken into custody and charged with unknown offenses. 

Multi-Car Collision Reported in Universal City

On December 21, it was reported that multiple vehicles had crashed on the 101 Freeway near Universal City. The collision was apparently caused by wet pavement, and it involved “several” damaged vehicles “strewn about” across the freeway. A traffic helicopter surveyed the scene from above, watching as traffic jams caused further confusion in the vicinity. At least one person was seriously injured as a result of the crash. 

The accident seems to have begun when one vehicle “spun out” on the wet, rain-soaked road. Seeing the accident, another driver decided to park and exit their vehicle to offer assistance. However, CBS News says that this led to a second crash between “multiple vehicles” – suggesting that this “Good Samaritan” probably did more harm than they intended. First responders arrived at a scene of serious wreckage, and at least one victim had to be extracted from a partially crushed vehicle. 

Three-Car Crash Reported on Highway 99

On December 20, three cars reportedly crashed on Highway 99 near Stockton. The crash claimed the life of at least one victim – ejecting him from his vehicle and causing fatal wounds. The deceased driver was apparently operating his vehicle at a high rate of speed prior to the collision. This caused him to approach the scene of an earlier accident too fast – and he could not avoid rear-ending a truck that was stopped in the median strip. 

After impacting the truck, the driver then spun across the road, coming into the path of another driver. It was this second collision that ejected the driver and caused the fatality. The condition of the other two drivers was not clear, according to the report. There was some suggestion that intoxication may have been a factor, although this was never confirmed. 

Four Injuries and One Fatality Reported After Los Angeles Pileup

On December 18, 2023, it was reported that a multi-vehicle crash in Panorama City caused four injuries and one death. The accident was captured by surveillance footage from a nearby home, and it showed what started the crash in stunning detail. The footage seems to show a vehicle losing its tire moments before the pileup, sending sparks flying across the street. Another vehicle then rolled over – ejecting and killing its driver in the process. 

In the ensuing mayhem, another vehicle crashed – and a falling utility pole added to the wreckage. Although local police still are not quite sure how the crash happened, witnesses say that one of the vehicles showed signs of recklessness prior to the collision. It is not clear how many total vehicles were involved. 

Overturned Dump Truck Involved in Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on the 605 Freeway

On November 30, 2023, it was reported that a dump truck had overturned on the 605 Freeway near Whittier before starting a fatal, multi-vehicle crash. The initial crash caused the dump truck to spill gravel across all of the Freeway lanes – posing serious threats to all passing motorists. At least three total vehicles were involved in the collision, which left one person dead. Very little additional information was released by the police, and it’s not clear whether any of the drivers suffered injuries aside from the deceased victim. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. 

Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Reported in San Diego

On December 23, 2023, it was reported that a multi-vehicle crash in San Diego claimed the life of at least one victim. The crash occurred on SR-94, and it involved an exploding vehicle that caused a major fire. The accident was apparently sparked by a Mini Cooper that veered off the road and struck a concrete wall. The Mini Cooper then veered sharply back onto the road, hit another concrete wall, and flew into the air. 

While flying through the air, the car destroyed an exit sign. It then landed on top of another vehicle, and the debris from this rooftop impact flew into a third vehicle. The Mini Cooper finally exploded, killing its sole occupant. The vehicle that incurred the rooftop damage suffered critical injuries and required hospitalization. 

Find an Auto Accident Lawyer in California

If you have been searching for a qualified auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our assistance, you can determine who might be to blame for your multi-vehicle crash. Often, it is very difficult to determine who “sparked” a chain-reaction crash, and an experienced lawyer can help you collect the evidence you need to establish negligence. A personal injury lawsuit can provide you with compensation that covers your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and other damages. Get in touch today and book a consultation to get started.