California Highway Patrol Officer Brett Oswald, 47, was killed in a car accident the night of June 27, 2010 in San Luis Obispo after he was struck by a vehicle on River Road. According to a news report in the Lompoc Record, Kaylee A. Weisenberg, 22, the driver of the Toyota Corolla that hit Oswald, was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with this fatal crash.
Tragic Fatal Accident
CHP officials say the accident occurred when Oswald was responding to another car accident on River Road. He was waiting for a truck to tow away the abandoned, crashed vehicle when Weisenberg's northbound Toyota that was traveling at a high rate of speed crossed the double lines and hit Oswald and the side of his patrol car. The officer was thrown onto the hood of the Corolla and carried about 50 feet. Although alcohol was not a factor in this crash, officials say speed, weather conditions and driving ability were.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brett Oswald for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. His co-workers say he was an exemplary officer and a good human being. What a tragedy for everyone who knew and loved this man! Please keep his grieving family in your thoughts and prayers. This has also been a tough month for the California Highway Patrol that has lost five officers in the line of duty since May.
Reckless Driving Alleged
Based on this news report, it appears that alcohol or drugs were not an issue here. However, it seems that Weisenberg may have been speeding and driving recklessly, which likely prompted the vehicular manslaughter charges. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."
In this particular case, if it is determined that Weisenberg was at fault, then she could be held not only criminally responsible, but also financially liable to Oswald's family members for his wrongful death. Where negligence or wrongdoing is concerned, families of deceased victims could seek compensation from the at-fault party to cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. The best California personal injury lawyers will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
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The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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