California Injury Blog
Crawford Grant Reeves, 77, was killed in a Huntington Beach car accident after the parked car in which he was sitting was struck from behind by a tow truck. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred early morning on May 10, 2012 near the intersection of Springdale and McCarthy streets. Police say Reeves and his 13-year-old grandson were sitting in a Chevy Impala that was parked along Springdale Street when a 2011 Dodge Ram tow truck crashed into the back of the parked car. The driver of the tow truck was not injured. Reeves and his grandson were transported to an area hospital where Reeves died. His grandson did not suffer life threatening injuries. So far, no arrests or citations have been issued in connection with this fatal crash. An investigation is ongoing.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends of Crawford Grant Reeves who are mourning the loss of their loved one. We also wish the injured boy the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Huntington Beach Car Accidents
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 13 people were killed and 993 were injured in Huntington Beach car accidents. During that same year, 141 fatalities and 13,373 injuries occurred due to Orange County car accidents.
What Caused This Fatal Crash?
Based on the news account, the tow truck crashed into the back of the parked Impala killing Reeves. There are still several questions here. Where was the Impala parked legally on the street? Was the tow truck driver under the influence, distracted, sleepy or otherwise negligent at the time? Was there proper lighting in the area? Was the tow truck driver speeding? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
Fault and Liability
If the driver of the tow truck is determined to have been at fault, both the driver and his or her employer can be held liable for Reeves’s wrongful death and the boy’s injuries. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing may have been involved, families of deceased car accident victims can seek compensation for damages including medical and funeral expenses, lost future wages, and loss of love and companionship. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims or their families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.