Marine Killed While Assisting Crash Victim
A U.S. Marine was tragically struck and killed shortly before Christmas when he stopped to assist a driver in need of aid. Twenty-nine-year-old Enrico Rojo encountered a distressed driver on Interstate 10 at around 1:30 a.m. As he tried to help the driver, 22-year-old Crystal Adrianna Martinez, another vehicle approached and fatally struck Rojo.
“That’s how I raised him,” said Rojo’s father, Miguel Rojo. “To be concerned, to be a good person. He was the best son you could hope for.”
Crashes are under investigation
The first crash occurred when Martinez’s Toyota Matrix struck a semi-truck. She had been traveling west on I-10 and was changing lanes when the crash occurred. The Toyota rolled over and finally came to a stop in the path of oncoming traffic. Martinez was later arrested on charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Rojo and his fiancé had been traveling to Los Angeles International Airport to fly home to Texas for the holidays. The Marine had been stationed at 29 Palms, CA. As is befitting a U.S. Marine, Rojo felt compelled to help the crash victim. As he checked on Martinez, a Hyundai Sonata approached. The driver of the Sonata veered to avoid striking the wrecked Toyota and instead struck Rojo. The driver of the Sonata pulled over and called 911. When emergency responders arrived on the scene, they discovered Rojo being held by his fiancé. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Miguel Rojo remembers his son for his dedication to service to his country. When Enrico informed his father that he intended to enlist, Miguel “looked at him in the eye and told him that I was feeling like the most proud dad in the world,” said Miguel.
It is not yet known if the driver of the Hyundai Sonata will face charges for the fatal collision.
Wrongful death claims and liability issues
Wrongful death claims may be filed when an individual dies due to the negligence of another person. These cases are often quite complex and require the skill of a seasoned personal injury lawyer. While the crashes are still under investigation, it is possible that the driver of the Hyundai Sonata was negligent in some way, such as by speeding or driving while drowsy.
Families who choose to pursue litigation in the wake of the loss of a loved one often do so in order to achieve justice on behalf of the decedent. Compensatory damages in a wrongful death claim may include funeral expenses and medical bills if the decedent received treatment for injuries prior to the death. Families may also recover damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of support.
Legal advocacy services in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles car accident lawyers of Ellis Law understand that nothing can bring back a loved one lost due to the negligence of another. However, families may find a sense of closure by pursuing justice on behalf of their loved one. For a free consultation with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney with a proven track record of success, please call 310-641-3335.