Fatal car crash claims life of two California boys
A tragic auto accident near Los Angeles just before Christmas killed two boys, age 11 and 13. The father of the children (and driver) remains in critical condition at a hospital after suffering a serious personal injury.
This car accident took place at a pole where two lanes merged in to one. The driver apparently lost control and hit the pole, splitting his car in half. The front part of the car eventually came to rest close to a nearby business. One of the boys was thrown from the car, and both of the boys died at the scene.
The car crashed while traveling at a high speed, leading police to believe that another unknown motorist who left the scene is involved. While speeding was probably a factor in the wreck, police also indicated that the car may have been cut off by another vehicle positioning for the same lane. Police are reviewing area video as part of their investigation.
Cutting off another motorist and thereby causing them to crash in all likelihood qualifies as negligent conduct, and it may also qualify as reckless or intentional conduct as well. In both types of cases, an injured motorist may be able to recover compensation for lost income, medical expenses and emotional pain and suffering.
However, in some situations involving reckless or intentional conduct, the injured motorist may be able to recover punitive damages as well in order to make an example of the driver at fault and send a message that reckless and aggressive driving will not be tolerated.
Source: NBC Southern California, “Boys who died in Santa Fe Springs crash identified,” Jason Kandel and Antonio Castelan, Dec. 22, 2012