Four People, Two Dogs Die as a Result of Crash in Lancaster
A driver running a red light caused a violent collision in Lancaster on August 14, where two people died instantly, and two others died after being taken to a local hospital.
The accident occurred around noon at Avenue H and 30th Street West. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that the driver of a Toyota Avalon traveling west failed to stop at a red light. As a result, the Toyota hit a Jetta traveling north on 30th Street West. The impact was severe, and it caused the Jetta to strike a traffic signal pole, ejecting the three occupants in the car. None were wearing seatbelts.
Two of the occupants in the Jetta were declared dead at the scene. The third occupant was taken to a local hospital and later died.
The Toyota’s driver was also taken to the hospital, where he died.
The Jetta was also carrying two dogs, one of whom, an Australian cattle dog, died at the scene. A Siberian Husky pup was taken to a local shelter, where the injuries were apparently extensive enough to require euthanasia.
All the victims appear to be Lancaster residents. The names of two, 38-year-old Wendy Fisher and 41-year-old Andrew Thomas Saint, were released. The names of the other two have not yet been released.
Local authorities are currently investigating what caused the driver to run a red light. It is currently unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role.
Who Is Responsible for a Car Accident Caused by Running a Red Light?
The accident is tragic, and full police investigations are pending. News reports, however, clearly state that running a red light was the cause.
All drivers have a duty of care to drive in a safe and responsible manner, including obeying traffic lights, signs, and right-of-way rules.
A driver who has not driven in a safe and responsible way has breached the duty of care. If it caused an accident, the driver may be found negligent.
However, without a full investigation, we do not know what caused the driver to run a red light. Accidents can be complex. Possible causes include mechanical failure, such as nonworking brakes or even a failed traffic light that made the driver unaware of the fact he was facing a red light.
Safe operation of a vehicle also requires that drivers not drink alcohol or take drugs in a manner that would impair their driving.
Let a Southern California Law Firm Help
Have you or a loved one been hurt or killed by a car accident in Los Angeles? We can help. The Ellis Law Firm has been successfully investigating and litigating southern California car accidents for more than 20 years.
Please call today for a complimentary appointment to discuss your case with an experienced car crash attorney.
Additional Resources:
- Cosgrove, Jaclyn. Four people and two dogs killed in car accident in Lancaster. Los Angeles Times, August 14, 2019. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-08-14/four-people-and-two-dogs-killed-in-car-accident-in-lancaster.
- 4 People, Dog Killed In 2-Car Lancaster Wreck. CBS Los Angeles, August 14, 2019. https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/08/14/2-people-killed-2-critically-wounded-in-lancaster-wreck/.