Traffic accident fatalities during the holiday season always seem especially poignant. A recent car accident in the Los Angeles area has led to a death that stretches the meaning of the word tragic.
As news reports indicate, a 29-year-old Marine was traveling to Los Angeles International Airport with his fiancee in the early morning of Dec. 19 when they came upon a crash scene on Interstate 10. A westbound Toyota had hit a big rig while changing lanes, according to the California Highway Patrol. The Toyota rolled over and finally came to rest in a traffic lane. The Marine stopped at the scene and left his vehicle to assist the driver of the Toyota.
While the Marine was standing near the overturned Toyota, a Hyundai Sonata approached the accident scene. CHP said that when the Hyundai driver swerved to avoid the Toyota, he struck the Marine. When police arrived, they found the Marine being held by his fiancee. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other serious injuries were reported by police. The driver of the Toyota was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Unlike most traffic accidents that happen in a few seconds, the sequence of events in this accident appears to have lasted for several minutes. Establishing liability in a case such as this may be difficult. Anyone who has lost a loved one or suffered a serious injury in a similar accident may wish to consult an auto accident lawyer. Such a consultation can provide a helpful evaluation of the case and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income, loss of companionship and pain and suffering.
Source: CBS Los Angeles, “Marine Killed While Stopping to Help Crashed Driver,” Dec. 19, 2016
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