Orange County, CA (February 26, 2025) – Early Thursday morning, a deadly crash occurred on the eastbound lanes of the 91 Freeway in Orange County just east of the 241 Toll Road. The accident happened around 1 AM when a vehicle stalled in the eastbound lanes just east of the 241 Toll Road. Five minutes later, a second vehicle crashed into the back of the stalled car. The collision resulted in the stalled vehicle catching fire, leading to at least three fatalities. Authorities closed multiple lanes to manage the scene and conduct an investigation. Details about what led to the crash and the identities of those involved have not been released.
As a personal injury attorney, I know it’s essential to consider various factors that might have contributed to this incident. These are the questions I have.
Why Did the Vehicle Hit the Back of the Stalled Vehicle?
The big question in this case is, what happened to make the second vehicle crash into the back of the stalled car? One key factor investigators will likely examine is whether distraction played a role. A driver who is looking at their phone, taking a call, or focused on something other than the road may not have enough time to react when approaching a stopped vehicle on a freeway. Analyzing phone records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements are avenues investigators can take to determine whether the driver was paying adequate attention in the moments before the impact.
Was Speeding a Factor in the Collision?
Another aspect to consider is whether the second driver was traveling too fast to stop in time. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, making it harder to avoid a stalled vehicle on the freeway. Investigators will likely examine skid marks, vehicle damage, and onboard vehicle data to estimate the speed of the car before impact. If the vehicle was moving faster than surrounding traffic or above the speed limit, that could have contributed to the severity of the crash.
Legal Considerations
If the evidence shows that the driver was negligent, victims of the crash may have a legal claim. Negligence consists of four elements:
- Duty—the driver had an obligation to use reasonable care;
- Breach—the driver failed to use reasonable care;
- Causation—the driver’s breach caused an accident; and
- Damages—someone suffered injury or other damages as a result.
If it turns out that the driver of the second car was speeding, was driving while distracted, or was otherwise careless, they could be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their actions.
My thoughts are with those affected by this incident.
Source: KTLA