A California car accident attorney notes that authorities believe alcohol was a factor in a two-car crash that occurred in the carpool lane of a California freeway and left a young woman dead. In addition to criminal charges, people who drive under the influence may be liable to the others they harm, and victims of negligence, as well as the families of those killed, may be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a California car accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated California car accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Woman Killed After Car Struck in the Carpool Lane
An unidentified woman was killed along the side of a Willowbrook, California, freeway when she and her disabled vehicle were struck after coming to a rest in the highway’s carpool lane. According to ABC 7, the accident victim had struck a retaining wall, and the impact sent her across multiple lanes into the carpool lane, where she was then hit by a suspected drunk driver. The alleged drunk driver was also injured in the accident and transported to a nearby hospital, although the extent of his injuries is unclear.
First responders who arrived on the scene declared the female, who had been traveling in a Toyota Yaris, dead upon their arrival, though her exact cause of death has not yet been released. Though authorities believe the other driver, who was operating a Ford Focus, was intoxicated, it is unknown whether blood or breathalyzer tests were administered or why they believe the driver was intoxicated.
Criminal Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents is Different Than Civil Liability
Regardless of the outcome of any criminal action against the driver, the determination of the criminal court is different than any civil case that may be brought against the driver. In a criminal matter, a person is accused of a crime and, if convicted, can be sentenced to jail or probation. Sometimes monetary fines and restitution are imposed on the guilty party.
However, the outcome of a criminal matter is often not relevant to a civil matter that could be brought against the person committing the wrongful act. A person who drives drunk commits a crime, but if that person also injures or kills another person while driving drunk, he or she may face civil liability in addition to criminal charges.
In a civil case, a person’s actions are not judged on whether they were illegal, but instead on whether they constituted negligence, reckless or malicious behavior, or other fault. If those actions are found to constitute fault, and if those actions caused injury to another person, then the wrongful actor may be held liable to the injured party for the payment of money to compensate for the injuries and other damages caused.
How a California Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Drivers or passengers who are injured in car accidents may be able to file a lawsuit with the help of a California car accident attorney and recover compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
If the actions causing injury are malicious or so reckless that intent to harm can be inferred, the responsible party can be liable for punitive damages to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for California. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
