Los Angeles Car Accident Proves Fatal for Driver

A 48-year-old man, who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident by a fatigued driver on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, has been identified as James Stellar. The Lookout News reports that 19-year-old David Corona told officials he fell asleep while driving the evening of April 2, 2010. Stellar was attempting to make a left turn at Broad Beach Road when his vehicle was broadsided by Corona's car. Stellar's injuries were fatal. Corona also sustained injuries, but they were not life-threatening. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of James Stellar for their terrible loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everybody who knew and loved this man. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accidents

Two fatalities and 134 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents in Malibu, according to California Highway Patrol's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 fatalities and 52,229 injuries occurred due to car accidents in 2008. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, fatigue was involved in at least 18 percent of fatal accidents and accounted for about 7 percent of all accidents.

Liability Issues

If the details of this news report are accurate, Corona told officials that this accident occurred because he fell asleep at the wheel and struck Stellar's vehicle. If I were a member of Stellar's family, I would want to find out to what extent Corona was negligent at the time. If officials determine that Corona's negligence caused this fatal car accident, then he could be held liable for the accident and resulting fatal injuries. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking damages.

An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, will be able to analyze all aspects of this crash and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.

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.