California Injury Blog
A 63-year-old grandmother was killed and five others were injured, including three of the woman’s grandchildren, in a multi-vehicle car accident in Valley Glen. According to an NBC Los Angeles news report, the fatal accident occurred the afternoon of May 1, 2016 in the 12700 block of Vanowen Street. Police said a white 2011 BMW tried to pass a silver Ford Mustang that was traveling westbound. The BMW clipped the Mustang whose driver lost control of the vehicle and then hit a pickup truck.
Tragic Collision
The BMW hit a parked car before veering out of control and striking four pedestrians on a sidewalk. Nine vehicles were involved in this chain-reaction crash. Five of the injured – a man in his 50s, three girls and a woman — were transported to area hospitals. Fire officials said two adults and two girls were in critical condition. The children were 7, 8 and 13. They are all expected to survive. The grandmother died from her injuries. The girls’ parents were also there, but walking ahead of the grandmother and the girls. They escaped injury. The investigation is ongoing.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family that is dealing not only with a death, but also with three children in the hospital. We wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Negligence and Damages
Based on this news report, it appears that the grandmother and the children were legally walking on a sidewalk when the BMW veered out of control, jumped the curb and struck the pedestrians. Media reports state that the driver of the BMW was attempting to pass another vehicle and that’s when the chain-reaction collision occurred. Police are looking into whether speed was a factor. They have already said they don’t suspect street racing.
We trust police are looking into whether the BMW driver’s negligence caused or contributed to this tragic accident. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for the at-fault parties for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can also seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.