Paramount Car Crash Kills Woman, DUI Suspected
A devastating one-car accident last Thursday in Paramount resulted in the death of a female passenger and the arrest of her driver boyfriend. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when the man behind the wheel of a blue Camaro apparently lost control, colliding with a tree.
The force of the impact caused the vehicle to split in half, sending debris as well as body parts across Somerset Boulevard.
Victim and driver identified
Police deputies reported that the driver of the Camaro was Giovanni Pena and his passenger was Yadira Alvarez, his girlfriend of almost a decade. While Pena was hospitalized for injuries, Ms. Alvarez was pronounced dead at the accident scene, which, in a sad twist of fate, was a mere block from her grandmother’s place of residence. Witnesses stated that the crash impact was so loud that homeowners a block from the site were jolted awake.
Drunk and distracted driving suspected
Additional statements from witnesses suggest that Pena and Alvarez had been embroiled in an argument prior to the incident and that Pena had been drinking. Investigators on the scene were spotted emptying a gin bottle found near the vehicle and processing it as evidence. Search warrants for Pena’s blood alcohol levels and information gleaned from the vehicle itself were issued, with Pena ultimately being charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Remedies for passengers harmed by driver negligence
It is not uncommon for accident victims to contemplate filing a personal injury lawsuit against another driver when a collision causes severe physical harm and property damages. It is critically important, however, for passengers in cars to realize that they may also pursue compensation from the driver of the car in which they were harmed. All vehicle operators owe a duty of caution and care, not just to those in other cars, but also to those inside theirs. Should that obligation go unmet, occupants of their cars who suffer injuries have a right to seek financial recovery. With the help of an skilled personal injury lawyer, you can learn more about your rights as a victim hurt by driver negligence
While a drunk driver who causes harm may be subject to significant criminal sanctions, those penalties may be insufficient to make a victim truly whole. Those who engaged in drunk or other forms of impaired driving may be required to make financial restitution payments to those they injure. It may also be possible for victims to file a civil suit designed to obtain the true amount necessary to cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs and other losses resulting from the event.
Advocacy for Los Angeles injury victims
The steps taken in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident often determine a victim’s ability to secure just compensation. Quick action to preserve evidence and assemble an effective case is essential. When a driver is found to have operated a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, plaintiffs owe it to themselves and their loved ones to fight for accountability and justice. The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Ellis Law are prepared to conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and engage in aggressive negotiations with insurance companies in order to help victims start the process of recovery.
If you or a family member have suffered profound harm while riding in a vehicle that was operated negligently, we urge you to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. To learn more about your options and to schedule a no-cost evaluation, contact us at 310-641-3335.