A 65-year-old California woman walking her dog was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver traveling west on Pearblossom Highway. The accident occurred around 8 p.m. on Jan. 23. The driver then fled the scene and caused a second accident, this time involving multiple vehicles, in the city of Palmdale. The incident ended in seven people being injured.
The driver was among four people taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Two were taken to the hospital in critical condition, and one was treated at the crash scene with minor injuries. California Highway Patrol subsequently arrested the driver. The 62-year-old native of Palmdale is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The driver had steered right and onto the shoulder of the road when he struck the woman, who was also heading in a westward direction and had not seen him coming. The dispatch supervisor for the Los Angeles County Fire Department states that two teenagers were involved in the second crash, but it is unclear if they suffered injuries or not.
Whether there were any eyewitnesses to either crash remains to be seen. CHP has asked any eyewitnesses to step forward and contact them.
When motor vehicle accidents occur through someone’s negligence, as is most likely the case in the accidents described above, victims or the families of those fatally injured can file for compensatory damages. Whether it’s a personal injury case or a wrongful death lawsuit, plaintiffs may want a lawyer to assist.
Accident attorneys usually have a network of crash investigators, medical experts and other third parties who can help build up a case before the time comes for negotiations. Attorneys may negotiate for a reasonable settlement with the auto insurance companies or litigate if one cannot be achieved.