Jasmine Alexi Garcia, 19, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after the driver of the car in which she was a passenger, lost control and crashed. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that the fatal car crash occurred the night of March 11, 2010 in the 700 block of Atlantic Boulevard in Monterey Park. The driver, a 19-year-old man, lost control of the 2007 Toyota Scion while traveling south on Atlantic, and went across all lanes of traffic The Scion then crashed into a tree. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate Garcia and the driver from the mangled wreckage. The driver was hospitalized in critical condition. Garcia died at the scene. Officials say speed may have been a factor, but are still investigating.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jasmine Alexi Garcia for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart also goes out to the young driver and his family for what they are going through at this time. Please keep these injured victims and their families in your prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities but 195 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in Monterey Park. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries occurred due to car accidents during the same year.
Car Accident Causes
Based on this news report, it is not quite clear who or what exactly caused this car crash. As authorities suspect, it is possible that the driver was traveling at an unsafe speed. However, I trust officials are also asking several other questions. Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in the Scion that may have caused the driver to lose control? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway that led to this crash? Was another vehicle involved? For example, was the Scion run off the roadway by another driver?
Liability Issues
If this accident was the fault of the driver, Garcia’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim against him seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, and other damages. If this accident was caused by an auto product defect, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable for the accident or injuries. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused the accident, then the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held responsible. Please remember that any such claim against a California governmental agency must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. The best Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation to injured victims and their families.
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.