Northridge Crash Kills One, Injures Four

One man was killed and four others injured in a multistage accident involving three vehicles early Friday morning in Northridge.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the crash took place at around 1:30 a.m. at 19951 West Roscoe Boulevard, where a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville sedan made an ill-advised merge into active lanes, causing a two stage accident as a 2005 Mercedes sedan attempted to avoid colliding with it. Officials from the LAPD reported that the Pontiac “pulled out from the south curb of Roscoe Boulevard and turned into traffic.”

“To avoid the Pontiac, the Mercedes swerved and collided with a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder SUV, causing it to overturn,” said official police reports. “The Mercedes then continued eastbound and collided with the left side of the Pontiac.”

The driver of the Pontiac, a resident of Granada Hills, was rushed by paramedics to a nearby hospital for treatment, but he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Additional information about the man has not yet been released. His wife and six year old son suffered serious injuries as well. They remain in an area hospital in critical condition.

The driver of the Mercedes, a man in his 20s from the city of Reseda, suffered multiple broken bones and was also rushed to the hospital in serious condition. Ironically, he is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, though he was not at fault in the crash, and will only face misdemeanor DUI charges. The driver of the Nissan, a man in his 70s, suffered only minor injuries and was treated on the scene and released.

Following the crash, police closed down the immediate area surrounding the accident to allow for cleanup and a closer investigation. Each of the three vehicles involved suffered major damages, needing to be dragged away from the scene. Much of the front and left side of the Pontiac was completely destroyed in the secondary collision with the Mercedes, rendering its make and model almost undistinguishable.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in an accident involving a driver making an ill-advised turn such as this, you should seek help. Depending on the circumstances that surround the crash, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for the damages you’ve sustained. With the help of a skilled car accident lawyer, you can be assured of recovering the full amount you are rightfully owed.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will work hard to get you back onto your feet as quickly as possible. As always, we will charge you nothing for our services until your case is won. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn options are available to you!