Authorities have identified five people who died in a Los Angeles car accident the night of April 11, 2010, as John J. Blackburn, 54, Luis Villegas, 16, Xochitl Hernandez, 5, Edgar Hernandez, 8, and Cynthia Hernandez, 9. The Los Angeles Times reports that the accident, which involved three vehicles, happened in the southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway in Newhall. It occurred when Blackburn, who was driving a 1996 Mazda pickup truck, lost control and crashed into the center divider. A Nissan Altima carrying two adults and four children then collided with the Mazda. A Chevy Suburban SUV then rear-ended the Nissan.
Car Accident Claims Four Children
Killed in the accident were Xochitl, Edgar and Cynthia, who were siblings. Luis, who was riding in the back seat of the Nissan was also killed as was Blackburn. The driver of the Nissan, 25-year-old Francisco J. Enciso and his passenger, 27-year-old Yessica Milan, sustained major injuries. Victor Jarillo, who was the driver of the Suburban, was arrested on suspicion of driving without a license and his passenger was also arrested on suspicion of providing false information to police. CHP officials are looking into what caused the accident. Officials say the rainy weather may have been a factor.
My heart goes out to the families of all who lost their lives in this terrible crash. I hope the injured victims recover quickly and completely. The victims and their families will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics
There were 268 deaths and 25,588 injuries in Los Angeles as a result of car accidents, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, (SWITRS). In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.
Claim for Compensation
It is not clear whose fault this accident was. If Jarillo is determined to have been at fault, he could be looking at criminal vehicular manslaughter charges as well as civil liability for the injuries and damages caused. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will help victims and their families in such cases seek just compensation for their injuries, damages and losses. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also be able to advise victims about how their car insurance policy applies in a case where the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.
In your opinion, what are the most difficult things to deal with in the aftermath of a serious car accident?
None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.
