Rasual Butler, 38, who played 13 seasons in the NBA, and his wife, Leah Labelle, an “American Idol” star, died in a car accident in California near Studio City. According to a Daily Mail report, the Range Rover they were traveling in flipped over and crashed early morning on Jan. 31. The vehicle reportedly hit a parking meter before crashing into a wall.
Based on preliminary investigations, police believe Butler traveled at least twice the 35 mph speed limit on that roadway. Butler’s wife, Labelle, 31, was a contestant during the 2004 season of “American Idol.” Butler played for several teams, including the Miami Heat, New Orleans Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and San Antonio Spurs. The New Orleans Hornets also included him in the largest trade in NBA history.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family members, friends, and fans of Rasual Butler and Leah Labelle. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Speeding is Dangerous
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been involved in about one-third of all car accidents in the United States. In 2015, speeding contributed to 27 percent of all fatal crashes, claiming 9,557 lives.
The consequences of speeding are far-reaching and often include a greater potential for loss of vehicle control, reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment, increased stopping distance after a driver perceives a hazard, and greater crash severity, leading to more severe injuries.
Factors to Examine
In the aftermath of a fatal, tragic car accident, family members of the deceased may have several questions. This is why it is important to have accident reconstruction experts thoroughly examine the scene and the vehicle after a crash.
A vehicle flaw or mechanical issue may have caused some collisions. There are also cases where the vehicle may not have been “crashworthy.” In other words, it may not have been able to protect its occupants reasonably.
When vehicle defects are involved, families of deceased victims may have a claim against the automaker. In these cases, an expert must thoroughly examine vehicles for evidence of defects, malfunctions or design flaws.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, read our post on what happens during a car accident insurance investigation in Los Angeles.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5336473/Former-NBA-player-Rasual-Butler-wife-die-car-crash.html
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
