Recently a 17-year-old boy was arrested for murder after causing a deadly accident in Woodland Hills that involved four other cars. The accident occurred just after 10 p.m. at the intersection of Winnetka Avenue and Ventura Boulevard. ABC 7 News reported that the teenager was recklessly driving a Mercedes-Benz for several blocks before causing the multi-car collision. He then sped through a red light at the busy intersection, without pausing, and slammed into a Toyota Tacoma. The force of that collision sent him spinning into a Ford Expedition and Lexus.
Tragically, the driver on the Toyota Tacoma died at the scene. The teenage driver that caused the accident and his passenger were both hospitalized. Two others involved in the crash were in critical condition, and one other passenger suffered minor injuries. After a preliminary investigation, the police stated, “The totality of the circumstances indicates the driver of the Mercedes displayed a willful disregard for human life.” As a result, officers arrested the young driver for murder.
It is certainly heart wrenching to see the consequences of one person’s poor decision to drive recklessly. In this case, 3 other cars were impacted, several injured, and one person died, certainly leaving a family in mourning. In this situation, not only will the young driver that caused this accident face criminal charges, but he will also be civilly liable to all those harmed by his careless and reckless actions. This civil liability would come through personal injury claims by those injured in this accident and a wrongful death claim by the family of the Toyota Tacoma driver who was killed in this Woodland Hills car accident.
Both personal injury and wrongful death claims are meant to compensate individuals and families that are harmed by the negligent or intentional harmful actions of another person. These claims are brought against the driver at fault for the harm and damages awarded in these cases are typically covered by the driver at fault’s insurance. In a personal injury case, the victim can receive financial compensation for hospital and expenses (both past and future expenses), loss of earnings and income, and also pain, suffering, emotional distress and inconvenience. In a wrongful death case, the family of the victim brings the case to recover compensation for their sudden loss. In this situation, the family can receive financial compensation for medical and hospital charges, funeral and burial expenses, as well as loss of earnings and loss of love, comfort, society, companionship, affection and moral support.
Far too often drivers on California roads cause car accidents that result in the personal injury or wrongful death of others. No person or family should have to go through the pain of unexpected injuries or the unexpected loss of a loved one. If you or someone you love was involved in a harmful or deadly Southern California car accident, contact the knowledgeable personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Walch Law. We have years of experience helping victims of car accidents in Woodland Hills and throughout Southern California. Contact us today at 866-INJURY2 [866-465-8792] for a free consultation on your case.