Lisa Via, 42, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after she was struck by her own vehicle that was being repossessed. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Monte Vista Avenue in Chino Hills early morning on March 1, 2011. The driver, 42-year-old Leo Song told officials that he backed up his tow truck to a 2002 Buick belonging to Via. Song said he started taking her car despite her protests. Via was struck and pinned under the Buick. Song told officials he assumed that Via had moved away from the tow truck and her car. Via was transported to a local hospital where she died shortly after the incident.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Lisa Via following this tragic pedestrian accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were no fatalities, but eight injuries reported in Chino Hills pedestrian accidents. During that same year, 39 fatalities and 432 injuries occurred due to San Bernardino County pedestrian accidents.
What Caused This Fatal Accident?
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver was there to repossess the victim’s car. In his urgency to get the vehicle out, it appears that Song did not check to see if the woman was still standing there or had moved away. There are still several questions here. Why was Song unable to see the woman? Did he deliberately strike her? Was this an accident? Was Song distracted by something else at the time? Was he inattentive or negligent in any way? I trust officials will examine these and other issues in order to determine what occurred here and why.
Liability Issues
In this particular case, Song and his employer could be held civilly liable for Via’s wrongful death. Victims’ families in such cases would be well-advised to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
Lost a family member in a San Bernardino County car accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?
Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Chino Hills pedestrian accident. Call 800-259-6373. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.
Call a Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys San Bernardino wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.