Northridge, California – Two people were hospitalized in serious condition after becoming trapped inside their vehicles during a three-car collision Monday evening in Northridge, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
LAFD crews responded at approximately 7:55 p.m. to the area of 8845 N. Balboa Blvd. and Mayall Street, where they found a chaotic crash scene involving three vehicles. One vehicle had slammed into the front of a building, while another came to rest against a tree, LAFD spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton said.
Firefighters worked to extricate two trapped occupants from the wreckage. They were transported to nearby hospitals in serious condition. Four additional people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
How to Determine Who Is at Fault in a Three-Vehicle Collision
Determining liability in a three-vehicle collision can be complex, especially when multiple drivers share contributing factors. Insurance companies, police investigators, and attorneys review the sequence of events, vehicle positions, and available evidence to understand how the crash unfolded. In cases involving severe injuries, working with a reputable car accident law firm is essential to protect your rights and ensure fault is assigned accurately.
1. Analyze the Chain of Impact
Three-vehicle crashes often involve chain-reaction impacts. Investigators determine which vehicle initiated the first collision and how the force transferred to the other cars. The driver who caused the initial impact is commonly found at fault, though secondary negligence can apply.
2. Review Police Reports and Physical Evidence
Skid marks, vehicle damage points, debris patterns, and surveillance footage help reconstruct what happened. Officers who respond to the scene typically draft a detailed report that insurance companies rely on heavily when assessing fault.
3. Consider Driver Negligence
Actions such as distracted driving, speeding, DUI, unsafe lane changes, or tailgating can establish liability. When more than one driver behaves negligently, California’s comparative negligence laws allow fault to be divided among multiple parties.
4. Use Witness Statements and Expert Analysis
Eyewitness accounts and accident reconstruction specialists often clarify conflicting statements. For complex three-car collisions, car accident lawyers in California may bring in experts to testify or recreate the crash.
5. Understand How Insurance Adjusters Evaluate Fault
Insurance companies analyze all available evidence to assign percentages of blame. However, their determination is not always fair or accurate. Having a Los Angeles car accident attorney on your side ensures your injuries, damages, and losses are fully documented and defended.
Injured in a Three-Vehicle Crash? Megeredchian Law Can Help
If you or a loved one was hurt in a multi-car collision, you don’t have to face aggressive insurance companies alone. Megeredchian Law has recovered millions for accident victims and provides personalized, results-driven representation. Call (866) 359-0807 for a free case evaluation and learn how our attorneys can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.