There is likely nothing more terrifying for a motorist traveling with children than to find him or herself stranded on the side of a busy interstate. Unfortunately, fears associated with such a scenario were realized for one woman in California when her broken-down vehicle was allegedly struck by a pickup truck. Four people were killed in the incident, potentially resulting in wrongful death lawsuits.
The incident happened one afternoon on a day in late July. According to reports, a woman pulled onto the shoulder of the road after experiencing car trouble. Afterward, another motorist, a man who was described as a good Samaritan, pulled over to assist her. Unfortunately, reports indicate that a pickup truck barreled into the back of the woman’s car near where the two were standing.
While it is unclear if the pickup truck actually struck the individuals standing outside or if the force of the collision pushed the sedan into them, two people were killed. The force of the collision was so strong that reports indicate the male victim was thrown over a concrete barrier on the side of the road. Two children in the back of the car were also killed. While police claim that evidence at the scene of the accident indicates that the driver of the pickup may have been under the influence of alcohol — including beer cans found at the scene — they are still working to make that determination.
Unfortunately, families in California are facing the unfathomable news that their loved ones passed away in what appears to have been a preventable accident. While they need to come to terms with their grief, many families in similar situations also face financial struggles as a result of lost wages and funeral costs. While it will do little to reduce their grief, a successfully presented wrongful death lawsuit could result in an award of damages that will help them manage their finances, potentially allowing them to focus on their overall recovery.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Possible DUI crash on the 10 Freeway in Fontana leaves four dead, including two children“, James Queally, Aug. 4, 2017
