California Injury Blog
Matilda Garnica, 43, was killed and her two children were injured in a Los Angeles car accident after a car plowed through a group of spectators who had gathered to watch a fireworks show the night of July 4, 2010. According to a news report in The Signal, a white Infiniti was traveling east on Valencia Boulevard. The driver, a 22-year-old woman, ran a red light at Mall Entrance and crashed into a Dodge Durango SUV that was making a left turn. The impact from the collision caused the Infiniti to crash into a group of people, who were sitting on the south curb of Valencia and watching the fireworks. Garnica was killed instantly and at least seven others, including two of her children, were injured. Her 13-year-old son was critically injured.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Matilda Garnica for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I sincerely hope that her two children and the other injured victims recover quickly and completely. I particularly pray for the two children who saw their mother struck and killed. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
Car Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 11 fatalities and 552 injuries involving car accidents in Santa Clarita. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008.
Accident Laws
Based on this news report, officials say they have not found any evidence that alcohol was involved. They are still looking into whether the driver of the Infiniti or the Durango was under the influence of any drugs. Officials are also considering whether to file criminal charges against the driver of the Infiniti because she is said to have run a red light and caused the crash.
Running the red light is a serious traffic violation under California law. California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”
Claim for Compensation
It would be in the best interests of the Garnica family to contact 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. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.
What are some of the biggest challenges faced by victims and their families in the aftermath of a crash?
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.