Baby girl killed in an automobile accident in California
Few things can truly compare to the devastation a parent feels when the life of his or her child is taken. It is every parent’s greatest fear. Sadly, for the parents of a little baby girl in California, this fear became a reality when their daughter was killed in an automobile accident earlier this month.
The 6-month-old girl was strapped in the back seat of the car alongside her twin sister. While waiting their turn to advance at a stop sign, their vehicle was apparently rear ended by a truck. The truck driver had reportedly been traveling at a high rate of speed when he struck the back of the car with enough force to push the car’s bumper almost all the way to the back seat. The blunt force trauma suffered by one of the girls resulted in her succumbing to her injuries four days after the accident. Minor injuries were sustained by the other vehicle occupants.
The driver of the truck initially fled the scene, but was arrested about a half an hour after the accident took place. At this point there hasn’t been any official charges filed against him. Local authorities are still investigating this incident.
Family members of those killed in an automobile accident are not only left grieving the loss of life, but also looking to find answers as to why it happened in the first place. In this particular incident, the family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for their loss and personal injury claims for the others that were injured in the accident. If negligence is found to have been a contributing factor in the cause of the accident and liability is established against the driver deemed responsible, a California civil court could award financial compensation to the family. While monetary relief can’t truly make up for the loss they have suffered, it could help the family to recoup many of the financial losses they have incurred as a result of the unfortunate accident.
Source: ABC 23, 6-month-old girl from Bakersfield dies after car crash, No author, Jan. 23, 2014