Understanding the Dangers of Freeway Crashes in East Los Angeles
Every day, thousands of commuters travel the5 Freeway and710 Freeway through East Los Angeles. These roadways are lifelines for work, school, and family commitments—but they are also among the most dangerous stretches in LA County. If you or a loved one has been injured in a freeway crash here, speaking with an experiencedEast LA car accident lawyer can make all the difference in securing justice and compensation.
Our legal team has decades of combined experience handling collisions on LA’s busiest freeways. We know the risks East LA drivers face and how to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, or even government agencies accountable after a serious wreck.
Why the 5 and 710 Freeways Are Especially Dangerous
Both freeways carry massive amounts of commuter, commercial, and freight traffic. When you add speeding, distracted driving, and aging infrastructure, accidents are inevitable.
Common risks on the 5 and 710 include:
- Heavy truck traffic: The 710 is a main artery for port-related freight. Collisions with 18-wheelers often cause catastrophic injuries.
- Congested commutes: Stop-and-go traffic leads to rear-end crashes, especially near freeway interchanges and exits.
- High speeds: On the open stretches, drivers often exceed 70 mph, making collisions more severe.
- Frequent construction zones: Lane closures and sudden merges create confusion and side-impact accidents.
- Driver fatigue: Long-haul truckers and late-night commuters increase the risk of drowsy driving crashes.
Unfortunately, East LA residents live with these risks daily. When crashes happen, victims may face steep medical bills, lost income, and long recovery times.
Common Injuries from Freeway Collisions
Afreeway crash in East Los Angeles can leave victims with life-altering injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Wrongful death in high-speed impacts
Because many freeway accidents involve trucks or multi-vehicle pileups, the medical consequences are often more severe than neighborhood collisions. Having ahighway accident attorney who understands these cases ensures you pursue the full value of your claim.
How Fault Works in California Freeway Crashes
California follows acomparative negligence system under California Civil Code §1714. This means that if more than one driver is responsible for the crash, liability is divided by the percentage of fault. For example:
- If a speeding driver is found 70% at fault and another distracted driver 30% at fault, damages are split accordingly.
- Even if you are partially responsible, you may still recover compensation, just reduced by your share of fault.
Insurance companies often use this law to reduce payouts. That’s why working with anEast LA car accident lawyer who can counter lowball settlement offers is critical.
The Legal Process After a Freeway Crash
Many injured victims hesitate to call a lawyer because they fear the process will be overwhelming. In reality, a skilled attorney handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Typical steps include:
- Free case evaluation – An attorney listens to your story and reviews police reports.
- Evidence collection – Photos, witness statements, black box data (in truck cases), and traffic camera footage.
- Medical documentation – Linking your injuries directly to the crash.
- Negotiation with insurers – Demanding fair compensation for all losses.
- Litigation, if necessary – Filing a lawsuit in line with California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, which sets thetwo-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Our firm has won millions in verdicts and settlements for freeway crash victims in Los Angeles.
Benefits of Hiring a Local East LA Car Accident Lawyer
Not all personal injury attorneys are familiar with the unique challenges of East LA freeway crashes. Choosing alocal lawyer offers several advantages:
- Knowledge of traffic patterns on the 5 and 710.
- Familiarity with CHP and LAPD accident reports.
- Connections with local medical providers for treatment documentation.
- Proven success with LA County courts and judges.
Most importantly, we work on acontingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims offreeway crashes in East Los Angeles often underestimate the true cost of their accident. A skilled lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Wrongful death damages for the surviving family
Our attorneys fight to maximize every claim, whether through negotiation or trial.
Local Accident Trends in East LA
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety and CHP collision reports, East Los Angeles sees hundreds of serious collisions each year, with the5 and 710 among the highest-risk corridors. Factors like high truck volumes and dense commuter traffic make these freeways especially deadly.
Neighborhood streets in East LA also see frequent crashes, particularly inschool zones and residential areas. This mix of freeway and local traffic hazards underscores the need for aggressive legal advocacy when accidents happen.
What To Do Immediately After a Freeway Crash
Knowing what to do after a collision can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Call 911 and request medical help.
- Stay at the scene until authorities arrive.
- Exchange insurance and contact information.
- Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, and injuries.
- Get witness names and numbers.
- Call anEast LA car accident lawyer before speaking with insurers.
For updated incident info, you can also check the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Page.
If you’ve been injured in a freeway crash in East Los Angeles, don’t let the insurance companies decide your future. With decades of combined experience, LA Injury Lawyers have recovered millions for accident victims across Los Angeles.
Call today at (818) 418-4000 to speak with anEast LA car accident lawyer and schedule your free consultation. Time is limited—let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a lawyer after a freeway crash?
Yes. Insurance companies often undervalue claims, especially when multiple drivers are involved. A lawyer ensures you receive fair compensation.
What if the accident involved a semi-truck?
Truck accidents are more complex because of federal regulations and multiple liable parties. You need ahighway accident attorney experienced in trucking litigation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generallytwo years under CCP §335.1.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can recover partial damages even if you share responsibility.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and whether permanent injuries are involved. Our team can provide a detailed estimate during a free case review.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Our firm charges no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.