Emily Rose Shane, 13 was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after being hit by a car while walking down Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu, on April 3, 2010. According to an ABC news report, Emily was walking in the 29000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, when a Mitsubishi Lancer, driven by 26-year-old Sina Khankhanian, struck her. Police say Khankhanian, minutes earlier, deliberately crashed his car into a power pole. The collision caused the sport utility vehicle to roll over and strike the girl. Khankhanian has been arrested on suspicion of murder, but officials do not believe he intentionally hit Emily.
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My heart goes out to the family and friends of Emily Rose Shane for their tragic, untimely and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were seven injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Malibu. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 214 deaths and 4,985 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Accident Causes
Based on this news report, it appears that Khankhanian crashed deliberately, although we don’t know what caused him to do so. Was he under the influence? Was he speeding? Was he upset about something? Apparently, Emily just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. That said, whatever the reason or motivation for his actions, Khankhanian must be held criminally and civilly accountable for her tragic death.
Wrongful Death Claim
Where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file what is known as a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. In such cases, if a dangerous or defective roadway contributed to the accident, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway can also be held liable. Any such claim against a governmental agency in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
Victims’ families, in these types of fatal injury cases, would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.
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.