This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Who pays for the damage from the I-5 and 2 Freeway tanker crash in Los Angeles? Taxpayers, for now
The chassis of a tanker that crashed in a tunnel at the I-5/State Route 2 interchange.
(
Caltrans
)
A skip loader pushes the burnt chassis of a gas tanker that crashed out of a tunnel at the I-5/State Route 2 interchange.
(
Caltrans
)
Smoke billows from a fire Saturday July 13, 2013 in Los Angeles, after a tanker truck flipped, spilled its load of gasoline and caught fire, snarling traffic for miles.
(
Steve Karman/AP
)
Listen
1:21
Who pays for the damage from the I-5 and 2 Freeway tanker crash in Los Angeles? Taxpayers, for now
Caltrans isn’t giving an estimate yet of how much damage that tanker truck fire on Saturday caused to the freeway, but it’s likely to be expensive. The destruction was so severe that some of the freeway’s support structures may have been compromised, and the repairs could take months to complete.
For the time being, taxpayers will be on the hook. Why not go straight to the trucking company?
“Because that is a legal proceeding that can take a long time,” explained Caltrans spokeswoman Kelly Markham.
RELATED: MAP: NB I-5 may be fully open Tuesday; 2 Freeway tunnel interchange may be closed for weeks
She says right now her agency is focused on getting the freeway fixed, not on who pays for it.
“Ultimately what we do is try to get reimbursed by the Feds," said Markham. “Then if there’s a determination of fault, Caltrans would seek funds from the insurance company that represented the trucking company.”
The agency isn’t naming the company involved in Saturday’s crash. Figuring that out can be difficult, according to L.A.-based attorney Vibhu Talwar.
Sponsored message
“The trickiest part is finding all the different insurance policies that may cover the claim,” said Talwar.
The lawyer has experience suing trucking companies. He says it involves a lot of work because they sometimes hide behind complicated corporate structures in order to shield their assets.
There can also be other entities at fault. For instance, if the accident was caused by a truck’s cargo shifting, he can sue the company that loaded the truck. And that’s not all.
“Often times if you have defects in the vehicle itself, the manufacturer can also be responsible,” said Talwar. “If there’s a brake issue, and the maintenance didn’t take it up, you have a maintenance company getting involved in a case like that.”
Truck drivers are only required to carry $750,000 in liability insurance. But that goes up to $5 million for a commercial truck carrying hazardous materials.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
