Driver’s disregard for safety ends in 1 death, 3 injuries
In a recent accident, a car swerved across the road, striking three motorcycles. The result was the death of one motorcyclist and three others injured. The driver, a 19-year-old from Palmdale, California, was driving with a complete disregard for safety, according to CHP. The motorcyclist who lost his life was a 58-year-old man from Oxnard. Among the injured was a 41-year-old man from Westlake Village and a 60-year-old and 55-year-old — both from Moorpark.
The 19-year-old driver of the vehicle that lost control has been taken into custody. When a reckless driver swerves into a group of motorcycles, there is often little to nothing that can be done by the motorcyclists to avoid the collision. So often in situations like this, people are seriously injured or killed. While this particular suspect has been charged and arrested, sometimes criminal charges are not enough for the family of a lost loved one.
If the 19-year-old is convicted of criminal charges, that conviction would likely make a very strong civil case for the injured victims and the family of the deceased. The deceased’s family may wish to file a wrongful death claim for reimbursement. The people who were hurt are possibly entitled to damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In California, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance. Even if the 19-year-old has no assets to speak of, the victims of the accident have a means for collecting reimbursement. From the standpoint of the victims, a civil case against a driver who allegedly had a complete disregard for safety might help them to recover financially and find closure.
Source: Los Angeles Times, Motorist arrested in fatal accident in Palmdale area, Paul Pringle, Oct. 20, 2013