A chain reaction fatal car accident on I-5 in Mission Viejo Friday night has taken the life of a San Diego man, and seriously injured another person. The driver of a Mercedes collided with the Ford Taurus containing the victims around 11pm on Friday night in the southbound lanes of I-5 near Crown Valley Parkway. The speed of the Mercedes drove the Ford into a third vehicle, injuring two victims in a VW Jetta who were removed to Mission hospital with injuries.
Chain reaction accidents on the I-5 are quite common, and there are a variety of reasons. The nature of stop-start traffic, and the sudden slowing around many points in Orange County catches drivers off guard. The number of accidents involving distracted drivers – those using cell phones for texting or email – has risen sharply over the past few years.
When a vehicle is rear-ended and then shoved into another vehicle, the body is exposed to severe forces that whip the head and neck in multiple directions with powerful force. If the victim impacts the windshield, dash or a support beam within the car a serious head injury such as traumatic brain injury or TBI can often result.
The victims transported with seemingly minor injuries were wise to have their injuries checked by medical professionals. While they may feel they only have a few bumps and bruises, the forces in these accidents can manifest weeks or even months later when discs in the spinal column begin to bulge or herniate. You may be able to walk well today, only to find that you can’t get out of bed in a few weeks. If you or a family member are involved in a car accident it is always prudent to see a medical professional or your primary care physician within 24 hours of the accident.
My name is Rivers Morrell, and after more than 40 years of experience as an injury attorney here in Mission Viejo I can tell you that this case will require extensive legal skill and expertise. The family of a fatal car accident caused by another driver should bring a wrongful death action against the driver who caused the accident. If you have questions about recovering for injuries suffered in an accident or the rights of a family after a fatal car accident I invite you to call for a substantive and free consultation at (949)305-1400.
