Emerald Arias, 18, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after the car in which she was a passenger, stalled on the freeway and was struck by another vehicle. According to a news report in The Santa Clarita Signal, the fatal car accident occurred the morning of December 30, 2009, on the 5 Freeway in Santa Clarita. Arias was a passenger in a 1999 Honda Civic, which ran out of gas and became disabled in the number three lane. A Toyota Tercel rear-ended the Civic. Both Arias and the driver of the Civic, a 46-year-old woman, were trapped in the vehicle. A Daewoo then crashed into the Tercel. Arias died later from her injuries. The drivers of the Civic and Daewoo also sustained injuries.
I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Arias. My heart goes out especially to her family for their devastating and untimely loss. They will certainly be in my prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
There were five fatalities and 630 injuries involving car accidents in Santa Clarita in 2007, according to California Highway Patrol's traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 fatalities and 56,475 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues
There are still several unanswered questions as far as this fatal car accident is concerned. Based on this report, it seems to me that the Honda Civic came to a stop on the freeway as it ran out of gas. However, the question here is whether the driver of the Tercel has enough time to stop before hitting the Civic. Was the driver of the Tercel driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Was he or she distracted at the time? Was excessive speed a factor in this tragic car accident? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors as part of the accident investigation.
In such cases, where serious injuries or fatalities are involved, it is in the best interests of victims and their families to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of the accident and make sure that their legal rights are protected. If the driver of the Tercel was negligent, he or she could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
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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