A woman was killed, and three others, including the suspect, were injured after a police chase ended in a multi-vehicle collision in the Winnetka neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:32 p.m. when police attempted to apprehend the suspect, a man in his 40s, driving a stolen Mercedes SUV.
According to Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Don Graham, the suspect fled southbound on Mason Avenue and collided with a white Tesla at the intersection of Saticoy Street. The Tesla was traveling westbound through the intersection on a green light.
The impact caused the Tesla to crash into two additional vehicles. The suspect’s Mercedes overturned, and he was detained at the scene. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.
The driver of the white Tesla, a woman whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of a black car and a silver car involved in the crash were also hospitalized with minor injuries, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The incident remains under investigation by authorities.
Call Our Dedicated Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys In Los Angeles County
If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries or was killed as a result of another driver’s recklessness, you have the right to be paid in full for your medical expenses and loss. Seek justice with the help of our injury law firm in Los Angeles County.
Get a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who will review your case, discuss the next steps, and examine all the variables that could affect the settlement amount. Our Los Angeles County reckless driving accident attorneys have many decades of experience advocating for accident victims. As one of the best injury law firms in California, we have successfully recovered more than $500 million in compensation for clients.
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What To Do After A Car Accident In Los Angeles County
First, you should check on all passengers, drivers, and pedestrians involved. If they need medical help, call for an ambulance immediately. Make sure that you don’t move anyone who is unconscious or reports back or neck pain unless their life is in imminent danger, for example, from a fire or oncoming traffic. Since car accidents are unexpected, you also need to do the following:
- Call the police to report any deaths, injuries, or substantial property damage. Get the names and badge numbers of the officers who are at the scene of the accident. Later, call the police department and request an accident report.
- Take pictures of all parties involved, including their driver’s licenses, insurance cards, and respective vehicles. Remember to capture any visible damages, skid marks, and the vehicles’ points of rest.
- Take note of the street names, traffic lights, and signs.
- Talk to the witnesses and obtain their phone numbers and addresses.
- Preserve evidence by taking pictures of your injuries.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel like your injuries are minor.
- Call our injury law firm’s California reckless driving accident lawyer for a free case review. We can determine whether your case has merit, secure accident reports, and other critical documents for you, assist with insurance negotiations, and help with filing a personal injury claim.
If you’re having trouble securing the accident report from the authorities or an insurer keeps on calling you about the accident, our team can assist you in communicating with them.
Reckless Driving Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been a significant factor in motor vehicle fatalities for over two decades, accounting for approximately one-third of all traffic deaths. In 2022, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities, underscoring its persistent impact on road safety.
The dangers of speeding extend beyond the driver, jeopardizing the safety of everyone on the road, including other motorists, pedestrians, and law enforcement officers. In 2022, speeding was linked to the tragic deaths of 12,151 individuals. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for awareness and action regarding speed-related accidents.
While the demands of modern life may lead to frustrations and a temptation to exceed speed limits, it is essential to remember that these limits are in place to protect all road users. Addressing the issue of speeding requires a collective effort to promote safe driving practices and enhance community safety.
In Los Angeles County, 59,603 speed-related crashes either resulted in injuries or fatalities, according to data from the latest OTS Crash Rankings Results.