Tragic Los Angeles Car Crash Leaves Woman Dead
With vaccinations rolling out, more people are beginning to get out and about more frequently or considering traveling again. As the world opens up and more people make their way onto the roads, however, it is more important than ever to exercise caution as a driver. In the event that the negligence of another party causes a significant injury, or even death, to someone that you love through a car accident, those who are responsible must be held accountable.
According to a recent news report, a teenage driver was involved in a high-speed crash that killed a woman in Los Angeles. The woman was driving westbound and attempting to make a left turn when she was struck by the teenager traveling eastbound, resulting in a T-bone collision and sending the woman’s car flying into a tree. Following the accident, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. As local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, accident reconstruction experts have noted that the teenager was driving at 65 miles per hour, or nearly double the speed limit. Local authorities commented last week that the wreck has been a “costly reminder for everyone to slow down” and that “tragedies like this could be prevented if everyone drove responsibly.”
Following the loss of a loved one in a tragic but preventable accident, you may feel at a loss for what to do next. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit, however, can often be a part of the process of healing—and could potentially bring the responsible party to justice. It can also provide your family with significant monetary compensation to help you move on with your lives after the tragedy you’ve experienced.
In California, wrongful death lawsuits take place when an accidental, negligent, or intentional act results in a family member or loved one’s death. Separate from a criminal case where the conviction for the at-fault party would be prison time or other criminal sanctions, wrongful death claims usually result in the court ordering the responsible party to pay the surviving loved one’s damages.
Under California’s wrongful death statute, only a limited selection of people are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These parties include the deceased’s surviving spouse or partner, surviving children, or the grandchildren of the deceased. If there is no surviving person in the deceased person’s line of descent, a lawsuit can also be brought by individuals “who would be entitled to the property of the decedent by intestate succession,” which usually includes the deceased’s parents, siblings, or whoever else is still living at the time of the deceased’s passing.
Potential plaintiffs in California wrongful death lawsuits can receive both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include any financial support the deceased would have contributed had they not passed and funeral and burial costs. Among non-economic damages, the loss of companionship and consortium, loss of intimacy, and loss of the deceased’s guidance are also available for compensation.
Do You Need a California Personal Injury Attorney?
If someone you love was recently injured or killed because of another party’s negligence or recklessness, contact the California car accident attorneys at the Neumann Law Group. Our lawyers have years of experience representing all types of personal injury clients and will work diligently to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 800-525-6386.
