I-10 in Los Angeles to Remain Closed for 3 to 5 Weeks After Fire

Officials in Los Angeles are stating that a portion of I-10, one of Los Angeles’ busiest highways, will be closed for three to five weeks following a massive fire. Investigators believe the fire was caused by arson.

Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “We’re going to do everything in our power to move that into the more immediate future and not extend this to that five-week period,” explaining that officials will work on repairs “24/7” until the road is open again.

What happened on I-10 and why is it closed?

Investigators have determined that arson started the fire, which started early Saturday, November 11, at a storage yard. It quickly spread under the interstate to a second facility. Per Gov. Newsom, the fire was started with “malice intent” and was “set intentionally.”

More than 160 firefighters responded to the blaze, and extinguished the fire within a few hours. No injuries have been reported. The damaged portion of the bridge, which is not expected to collapse, spans five lanes in each direction. No hazardous materials or contaminants were found on the site of the fire. Sixteen unhoused people living underneath the bridge were evacuated to shelters.

Per State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant, “The state fire marshal’s office is still piecing together other key details, including how the fire was ignited and whether multiple people were involved in the incident, which is believed to be arson.”

Alternate routes for commuters

I-10 sees more than 300,000 drivers every day, so this situation is shaping up to be a traffic nightmare. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass suggests that “locals take other routes, work from home or take the Metro.”

“For those of you who remember the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Caltrans [the California Department of Transportation] worked around the clock to complete emergency repairs to the freeways — and this structural damage calls for the same level of urgency and effort,” Bass also noted.

Officials say if you don’t have to be in downtown Los Angeles, you should avoid doing so until the freeway is open again.

I-10 in Buckeye opens again

In more local news, according to AZ Family News, I-10 in Buckeye, Arizona is open again after a person was struck and killed by a car. Per the publication:

Details are very limited, but troopers confirmed the crash happened around 1 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of the freeway near Watson Road. Troopers at the scene told Arizona’s Family that the driver involved took off before authorities arrived.

Drivers were being forced to exit at Verrado, but the freeway reopened just before 7 a.m.

Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the pedestrian who was killed in this hit-and-run accident.

How our attorneys can help after a Phoenix accident

These road closures, while inconvenient, can be dangerous. Drivers who regularly travel on the now-closed stretch of I-10 will need to find other routes – typically smaller roads, which can end up being congested with a higher risk of car accidents.

If you are involved in a car accident on I-10 or anywhere in the area, our Phoenix attorneys can help. At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we have secured a variety of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we would like to do the same for you and your family.

Here are some ways that our car accident attorneys can help you:

• Investigate the accident. Your attorney will investigate the accident to gather evidence and determine who was at fault. This may involve interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports, and analyzing the scene of the accident.
• Negotiate with insurance companies. Your lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance companies involved in the accident to get you the best possible settlement. This may involve sending demand letters, filing claims, and appearing at mediations or arbitrations.
• File a lawsuit. If you are unable to reach a fair settlement with the insurance companies, your attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf. This will involve drafting a complaint, serving the defendants, and preparing for trial.
• Represent you in court. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court. This will involve presenting evidence, arguing your case, and cross-examining witnesses.
• Help you collect damages. If you are successful in your case, your attorney will help you secure the damages to which you are entitled. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Hiring a car accident attorney can be a valuable decision if you have been injured in a car accident. Our Phoenix car accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, get the compensation you deserve, and protect your rights.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, the Phoenix attorneys at Plattner Verderame, PC want to help. Schedule a consultation today so we can talk about your case and the various types of compensation to which you may be entitled. Simply call our offices or fill out our contact form to get started.