One person was killed, while two more were injured after a fiery single-vehicle collision in Encino, Los Angeles, on early Tuesday morning, February 20, 2024.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the deadly incident happened around 12:15 a.m. at Ventura and Balboa Boulevards.
Officers said they had pulled up behind a car that was being driven with its headlights off when it suddenly took off and crashed into a nearby pole before bursting into flames. It was later discovered that the wrecked car was stolen and driven by a 14-year-old girl.
LAPD stated that three people were inside the vehicle when the accident happened. The juvenile driver’s backseat passenger died, while she and her front-seat passenger were injured.
There was no further information available at the time. Investigations are still underway.
Renowned Car Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA
If another driver’s negligence injured you or a loved one, you may be able to sue for damages. Seek advice for your car accident case from one of our personal injury lawyers, supervised by Arash Khorsandi, Esq.
Avail a free consultation with our renowned Los Angeles car accident lawyers, who will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect the settlement amount.
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What To Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles, CA
No one can predict a car crash or collision, but you can prepare for one. Having a car accident checklist in your glove box can help you stay calm and organized after a car crash. It can tell you what to do, what not to do, and how best to protect your rights. You aren’t alone after a severe collision.
Whether you are the injured victim or the family of a killed loved one, here’s what to do after a car accident:
- Stay Calm – Stay on the scene and make sure everyone is okay. Check yourself for injuries first, and then check others. Remain calm, and do not admit fault.
- Get to a Safe Location – Move disabled vehicles to the side of the road if you can. Put your emergency flashers on to help prevent further collisions. Get somewhere safe to wait for the police.
- Call 911 – Call the police to report your accident. Unless your crash was very minor, with no injuries or property damage, you should call the cops. Police can document the incident, gather information, and make it part of an official record.
- Exchange Information – Swap names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and other vital details.
- Do Not Admit Fault – Stick only to the facts of what happened when speaking with a police officer. Be as detailed as possible in your description of the collision.
- Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital or your primary doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical care can help reduce the damage you suffer from injuries. Tests and scans can identify internal injuries that may not show symptoms yet.
- Report to Your Insurance Company – Most insurers have time limits for how soon you must report an accident in California. Call quickly and follow the agent’s directions for reporting your crash.
- Speak to Insurance Adjusters – As soon as the day of your accident, you may receive a phone call from the other party’s insurance company. You may speak to the claims adjuster, but do not give away any more information than is necessary. Do not record a statement or accept an insurance settlement offer until you speak to an attorney.
- Create a File – Keep accident-related documents together and organized. Your file should include a copy of the police report, medical bills, the other driver’s information, injury treatment plans, and any other documents you’ve collected regarding the incident.
- Call Our Car Accident Lawyers – When in doubt, give us a call at (888) 488-1391. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your car crash without risk or obligation. We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary. Our California car accident lawyers are here for you.
Car Accident Statistics
In the US, car crashes cause the most accidental deaths and injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is still a high number of accidents despite a decrease of 0.3% in 2021. There is an estimated total of 42,795 fatalities in 2022 alone.
In 2020, 3,847 people reportedly died in car accidents in California. There were 1,587 fatalities from collisions involving multiple vehicles, or 41% of all crashes. On the other hand, single-vehicle accidents caused the most fatalities (59%) in traffic accidents.