A family of four was killed in a California car accident, which officials say, was caused by a speeding driver who ran red light. The car crash killed Jonathan Maloney, 45; his wife Susan Maloney, 42; and their children Grace, 5 and Aiden, 8. The at-fault driver, 19-year-old Steven Culbertson also died from injuries suffered in the crash. California Highway Patrol officials said Culbertson was driving a Mini Cooper the night of November 28, 2009 at 70 to 90 mph on Lakeville Highway when he hit a southbound 2004 Honda CRV driven by 61-year-old Thomas Graham. He then continued south through a red light at Highway 37 and T-boned the Maloneys’ minivan. The van was then pushed into a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant driven by 52-year-old Carrie Rodriguez.
Tragedy Caused by Red Light Runner
Graham and his passenger, James Parker, were uninjured. Rodriguez and her passengers — 47-year-old Liberty Rosario and Adelaida Nicholas, 53 — were taken to a hospital, treated for minor injuries and released. All the members of the Maloney family were pronounced dead. Culbertson died the morning after the accident at an area hospital.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this beautiful family. According to neighbors and relatives they were “a darling family” and just returning from a Maui vacation. I’m relieved that none of the other drivers or their passengers suffered catastrophic injuries because of this reckless driver. I offer my deepest condolences to family members who are trying to make sense of this horrible tragedy. They will certainly be in my prayers.
Alcohol or Drugs Not Yet Ruled Out
Based on this news report, officials are saying that they saw no signs of alcohol or drug use, but have not ruled that out as a factor in this accident. A blood sample taken from Culbertson is being analyzed. The driver, Culbertson, seems to have broken several laws here. He was traveling way over the speed limit of the highway. He ran a red light, which is a serious traffic violation. And he may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Negligent and reckless drivers can be held liable for the injuries or deaths they have caused. However, in this case, the suspect — the man who apparently caused this carnage — has himself died. In such incidents, surviving family members or injured victims may be able to sue the estate of the deceased person to claim compensation. A reputed San Francisco personal injury attorney, who is well-versed with filing wrongful death claims, will be able to advise victims and their families about their legal rights and options.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.