Rosshadi Abauwad, 27, was struck and killed in a Los Angeles car accident by a driver who was attempting to flee the scene of another hit-and-run accident, the Los Angeles Times reports. The tragic incident occurred the morning of December 13, 2009 when 32-year-old Miguel Penayo got into a fight with a group of men and drove his car into the group striking one of the men. He then drove his car on Atlantic Avenue and entered the driveway of a Starbucks near Florence Avenue. Abauwad was hit by Penayo’s vehicle as he left the coffee shop and was dragged under the car for a distance and killed. The other victim who was initially hit, sustained minor injuries.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Rosshadi Abauwad for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Here was a man coming out of Starbucks, probably after getting his cup of coffee on a Sunday morning. Unfortunately, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was struck by Penayo, who had apparently just assaulted a man with his vehicle. Please keep Abauwad’s family in your prayers.
Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 90 fatalities and 2,690 injuries were reported in Los Angeles as a result of pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles County, 210 people died and 5,095 were injured due to pedestrian accidents in 2007. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 712 people and injured 56,475 during the same year.
In this particular case, there is no question that Penayo will be facing some serious criminal charges. The news report states that the entire incident was set off by a group of men who were about to attack Penayo with a metal rod and Penayo reacted by ramming his vehicle into them and then taking off from the scene. It is not clear whether Penayo was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the fatal pedestrian accident. I trust he will be held criminally and civilly accountable for the death of Rosshadi Abauwad.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
The family of Abauwad would be well-advised to retain the services of a truly reputed Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who has a stellar track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise the family about how their car insurance will apply to this particular accident, especially if Penayo lacks car insurance or sufficient insurance coverage. The best California personal injury law firms always offer a free and comprehensive consultation 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.