(Lancaster, CA) One man was killed and five others were injured early Sunday morning, November 30, in a northbound 14 Freeway crash involving multiple vehicles on the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, authorities said.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 1 a.m. on the northbound 14 Freeway near 20th Street West. Investigators said the crash involved four vehicles, though details on how the collision unfolded remain under investigation.
Paramedics pronounced 25-year-old George Avendano dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. The five other people involved in the crash were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been released.
A SigAlert was issued shortly after the collision, shutting down all northbound lanes of the freeway for several hours. The lanes reopened at 5:51 a.m. once investigators cleared the scene.
Overview on the Northbound 14 Freeway Crash
In multi-vehicle freeway collisions such as this, investigators typically review several major traffic laws to determine contributing factors. The Basic Speed Law requires drivers to maintain speeds that are safe and reasonable for current roadway and traffic conditions. Excessive speed or unsafe merging are often key factors in chain-reaction crashes.
The Following-Too-Closely Law may also be examined. This law requires motorists to keep a safe distance between vehicles to allow enough time to react to sudden braking or traffic slowdowns.
Additionally, the Duty to Exercise Due Care Law obligates drivers to operate vehicles responsibly and avoid actions that endanger others. Investigators will rely on these statutes and physical evidence to determine fault in the northbound 14 Freeway crash.
Support for the Family
The family of George Avendano is encouraged to stay in contact with the California Highway Patrol’s Antelope Valley Office for updates and to request the official collision report once it becomes available. This report will provide crucial details regarding the cause and liability of the crash.
Families affected by fatal freeway accidents may also be eligible for assistance through the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), which can help cover funeral costs, medical expenses, and counseling.
In addition, consulting with a wrongful-death attorney may help clarify available legal options and ensure accountability for any negligence involved.
Finally, take time to lean on loved ones and community support resources. Los Angeles County’s Department of Mental Health and local grief counseling centers can offer compassionate care as the family mourns the tragic loss from the crash.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
