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Interstate 405, better known as the 405 Freeway, is well-known for being a very heavily traveled road in California. Thousands of travelers and commuters can be found on this extremely busy and congested freeway every day and at all hours of the day and night. Because of the huge amount of constant traffic, the 405 freeway is the site of many motor vehicle accidents.
Whenever drivers spend long hours in traffic jams as they do on the 405 freeway, tempers flare and drivers become impatient. Some may become aggressive or inattentive, leading to a higher likelihood of car crashes.
Traffic on the 405
Between 2015 and 2019, commute times have continued to become longer, in spite of the recent widening project on the 405. The length of trips isn’t just getting longer during times typically considered rush hour. During these four years, in both the north and southbound lanes, average speeds dropped or stayed the same. This happened at both peak and non-peak times.
The most increased delay has happened late in the afternoon while traveling northbound at around 3 to 4 p.m. Average speeds that drivers can travel has decreased, which dramatically increases the total travel time that it’s taking drivers to get where they’re going.
Accidents on the 405
Increasing numbers of drivers on the 405 and the slowed ability of drivers to reach destinations not surprisingly leads to frequent accidents on this busy freeway. Increased congestion logically leads to an increased number of collisions. Many of these collisions are low-speed fender bender accidents, but some are much more serious.
Some recent accidents that happened on this freeway included:
- A bus crash led to the injuries of 40 people, 5 were critically injured
- A disabled vehicle was rear-ended, leading to the death of a father and his 3-year-old son
- A fiery big rig crash shut down all southbound lanes and injured 3 people
Causes of Accidents on the 405
Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous counties in California for car accidents, and the constant high traffic on the 405 freeway contributes to this danger. When drivers spend a lot of time on a freeway, they have to remain alert and able to react quickly to whatever is going on around them. Getting stuck in a seemingly endless traffic jam on the 405 can make it difficult to stay focused. Distractions such as texting while driving, answering a cell phone or fiddling with the GPS can take a driver’s attention away from the many cars around them just long enough for an accident to occur.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving while drowsy are frequent causes of car accidents. Excessive speed can cause deadly accidents and sometimes multiple car pileups. When drivers don’t allow sufficient distance between them and the car in front of them, there’s a good chance there won’t be enough time to avoid causing an accident if it’s necessary to stop suddenly.
If You’re Injured in an Accident on the 405
An accident can happen when you least expect it. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident because of the negligence of another driver, whether it happened on the 405 freeway or in another part of California, it’s a good idea to talk to a highly experienced personal injury lawyer. Megeredchian Law believes that clients come first, and we’re available to discuss your case any time day or night.
Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page. We can help you understand your rights and will work hard to help you get the compensation you deserve.