Jamel Kammoun, 49, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident, after he was struck by an out of control car while on his morning walk in Rancho Palos Verdes. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the accident occurred the morning of December 20, 2009 as Kammoun was walking along Hawthorne Boulevard, near Alta Vista Drive. A 17-year-old driver was apparently speeding on Hawthorne when he lost control of his vehicle. The driver had two high school age passengers with him at the time.
The car went up the curb, hitting Kammoun, sideswiping several trees and broke a section of a block wall. One of the passengers in the car was hurt. Kammoun was transported to a local hospital where he died shortly after the accident. The teen driver has not yet been arrested, but officials say it’s possible that he will face vehicular manslaughter charges. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the family of Jamel Kammoun for their tragic, heartbreaking and devastating loss. He is apparently the father of three young children — a newborn, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. Kammoun worked as a math and science professor at Marymount College. I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved this man, who has been described as a loving father and a dedicated professor. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), four injuries were reported in Rancho Palos Verdes as a result of pedestrian accidents. In Los Angeles County, 210 fatalities and 5,095 injuries occurred due to pedestrian accidents.
Based on this news report, it seems to me that the teenager was driving recklessly at the time of the crash. The news article does not state whether he was impaired or distracted at the time. Officials believe that he may have lost control of the vehicle because he was traveling at a high rate of speed.
An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Kammoun’s family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether there was a dangerous condition on the roadway which may have caused or contributed to this fatal pedestrian accident. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could be held liable as well. Please remember that any claim against a governmental entity in California must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury.
In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, family members of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
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.