Authorities have identified a 34-year-old man who was fatally injured in a Los Angeles truck accident as Lavonte Ford. The car accident occurred early morning on November 6, 2009 after he was struck by a big rig on the 210 Freeway in Irwindale, the Pasadena Star News reports. Ford's 1985 Volkswagen apparently broke down near the Irwindale Avenue off ramp causing him to pull over to the freeway shoulder. As Ford tried to exit his car, the big rig hit him. California Highway Patrol officials said Ford died at the scene. The truck driver, who remained at the scene and called 911, was not cited or arrested. An investigation is ongoing.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Lavonte Ford for their irreparable loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.
Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Car accidents in Los Angeles County claimed 712 lives and injured 56,475 people in 2007, the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reports. In Irwindale, during the same period, five pedestrian accident related injuries were reported.
Based on this news report, Ford's vehicle broke down and he moved it to the shoulder. It seems to me that he was legally parked on the shoulder at the time. What's not clear is why the truck hit him. Was the truck driver going too close to the shoulder? Did he swerve off the traffic lanes and strike Ford? If he did swerve, was that because he was impaired, fatigued or otherwise negligent? Although the truck driver did the right thing by stopping at the accident scene, it is important to determine whether there was any negligence on his part, which caused this fatal accident.
Liability and Insurance Issues in Trucking Accidents
If that was the case, both the truck driver and the trucking company could be held liable for Ford's death. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims may file a wrongful death claim, which seeks compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost earnings, loss of love and companionship and other damages. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled cases against trucking companies will also have a comprehensive understanding of liability issues and how the victim's car insurance policy and the trucking company's insurance policy will apply in such accidents.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
thta was my uncle... my father is his brother fred ford. we all miss him terribly. WE LOVE YOU UNCLE LAVONTE