Thomas Stout, 66, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of May 22, 2010 when a car rammed into several parked cars and struck him. The driver of the vehicle, Josef Byron Britt III, has been arrested on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter in connection with this incident, according to a news report in the Los Angeles Daily News. Britt was driving a 2000 Chrysler Sebring east on Rinaldi Street when he struck three vehicles parked at the south curb. Stout was loading items into one of the cars and was hit. He was transported to an area hospital where he died. Britt sustained only minor injuries. If you saw this fatal accident, please contact LAPD at 818-644-8115.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Stout for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 104 deaths and 2,716 injuries involving pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, 214 people died and 4,985 were injured as a result of pedestrian accidents during the same year.
Accident Causes and Liability Issues
This news report does not state whether Britt is also under suspicion of drunk driving. However, he has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter. This raises the question of whether he was impaired, speeding, distracted or simply driving recklessly at the time of this fatal collision.
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical or funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. If Britt is determined to have caused this fatal crash as a result of intoxication, recklessness or negligence, he can be held criminally responsible and civilly liable for Stout’s wrongful death.
Victims’ families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer, who will analyze all facets of the incident and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to the accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. Please remember that any claim against a California governmental entity must be properly filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
What are some of the dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city?
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.