Veronica Brumley, 36, was killed in a car accident in Monterey County, when a Toyota sedan struck her after she stopped to help a stranded driver. According to a news report in The Monterey Herald, the fatal car accident occurred on Highway 156 in Castroville the morning of June 9, 2011.
Brumley had pulled her vehicle over to assist two people whose vehicle was disabled and stopped on the shoulder of the road. As she walked back to her SUV, the Toyota driven by 18-year-old Rachel Haskell hit her. Brumley was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Grief counselors were brought to the scene to assist Brumley’s 12-year-old son who witnessed the crash.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Veronica Brumley, especially her young son who witnessed the fatal crash. My thoughts and prayers are with this child and everyone who knew and loved Brumley. It is indeed tragic that a woman who had the heart to stop and help stranded motorists met with this end.
Monterey County Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 31 people were killed and 596 were injured in car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County. During that same year, there were 40 fatalities and 1,470 injuries reported involving Monterey County car accidents.
What Caused This Fatal Car Accident?
It is not clear, based on the news account, exactly what led to this fatal pedestrian accident. There are more questions than answers here at this point. Why was Haskell unable to see Brumley? Where was Brumley at the time of the collision? Was she in the shoulder or on the roadway? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway that prevented Haskell from noticing Brumley? Was Haskell impaired, distracted, speeding, or negligent in any other way? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why. This incident reminds us how dangerous it can be for anyone to walk or get off their vehicle, even if it is on a shoulder or side of the roadway.
Liability Issues
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. Victims’ families would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.
Lost a family member in a California car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Monterey County pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys California wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.