Two Children Dead in Wake of Fiery Stevenson Ranch Crash
Two children have tragically died as a result of a fiery crash near Stevenson Ranch on November 18. A speeding car carrying a mother and two children barreled through a red light, veered into the wrong side of the street, and crashed into a curb, a sign, a traffic signal, a power box, and a tree before bursting into flames, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Both children were rushed to the hospital. One, a 6-year-old girl, died later that day; her 2-year-old sister died of injuries received in the crash two days later.
All three people were rescued from the burning wreckage by bystanders. The mother, a 31-year-old Bakersfield resident, was treated for minor injuries. Her name has not been released. Early news reports indicated she was naked for unknown reasons when pulled out of the vehicle. Some rescuers, though, indicated she was wearing a dress, but that it did not cover her.
The incident happened near the intersection of Old Road and Pico Road at roughly 9:45 a.m., according to CHP officials.
Seat Restraints at Issue
Law enforcement officials are trying to determine if the children were restrained in their seats properly. Bystander comments indicated they were not; they needed to be extricated from underneath belongings that had fallen on them.
Under California law, all children under 8 years old should be in a child safety seat or booster and ride in the back seat.
California Car Accidents and the Law
Although it isn’t yet clear what caused the Stevenson Ranch crash and the investigation appears to be ongoing, some general observations about car accidents and the law in California can be made.
All drivers have a duty of care to follow all applicable laws and traffic safety principles. If they don’t, they may be subject to criminal penalties. It is against the law, for example, to drive recklessly and to drive if impaired by alcohol or other substances that cause impairment.
In addition, failure to follow the law and safe driving principles is a breach of the duty of care all drivers owe when they get behind the wheel. Such a breach in the duty of care is negligence, and negligent drivers can be liable for injuries and other harm caused directly by their negligence.
A Southern California Lawyer Can Help Achieve Justice
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Los Angeles-area car accident caused by a negligent driver, Ellis Law Corporation can help you fight for justice. We have more than two decades of experience winning cases just like yours.
Please call today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Los Angeles car wreck lawyer.
Additional Resources:
- Martin, Erika. 2nd Girl Dies After Mother Crashes Into Light Pole in Stevenson Ranch Area. KTLA. November 20, 2019. https://ktla.com/2019/11/20/2nd-girl-dies-after-recklessly-driving-mother-crashes-into-light-pole-in-stevenson-ranch-area-chp/
- Picazo, Katherine and Shahan Ahmed. 6-Year-Old Dies, Toddler Injured After Fiery Stevenson Ranch Car Crash. NBC Los Angeles. November 18, 2019. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Naked-Woman-Stevenson-Ranch-Crash-565121552.html