Rebecca Moon, 29, of Irvine, died in a December 27, 2008 Anaheim auto accident on Interstate 5, The Orange County Register reports. Moon was killed when a 1997 Chevy driving the wrong way on the southbound I-5 near Euclid Street crashed into the front left of her black 2001 Toyota. Two other passengers in the Toyota suffered minor to moderate injuries.
The wrong-way driver, identified as a 28-year-old Los Angeles man, escaped with minor injuries. California Highway Patrol officials are still investigating the crash. There is no word yet on whether the wrong-way driver has been arrested or charged.
My heart goes out to the family of Rebecca Moon for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep them in your prayers.
I trust CHP investigators will come out with a report about how and why this Orange County fatal auto accident occurred. I would not be surprised if the wrong-way driver was operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If he was under the influence he will face a felony DUI charge in addition to other charges. He will very likely face criminal charges even if he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol..
This wrong-way driver must be held both criminally and civilly responsible for the tragedy he has caused. In this case, where clearly wrongdoing and/or negligence are involved, Rebecca Moon’s family will be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Such a claim will compensate Moon’s family for medical/funeral expenses, lost wages and other damages caused by this accident.
Rebecca Moon’s family would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Orange County auto accident attorney, who will determine who or what caused this accident and who should be held responsible for it. A skilled personal injury attorney will also look into other factors that may have caused Moon’s fatal injuries such as a defective auto product. If family members suspect product defects in any auto accident, they should preserve the vehicle in its crashed condition so that an expert can examine it carefully for product defects, mechanical malfunction or other evidence.