A teenager who was killed in a Los Angeles car accident the morning of December 30, 2009 on the 5 Freeway in Santa Clarita, has been identified by local authorities as Emerald Arias. The Santa Clarita Signal reports that Arias was a passenger in a 1999 Honda Civic, which ran out of gas and stalled on the number three lane when it was rear-ended by a Toyota Tercel. The Tercel was then struck by a Daewoo. Arias sustained fatal injuries. The drivers of the Civic and Daewoo were also injured.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Emerald Arias. What a devastating blow, especially for her family! I offer my deepest sympathies to them. Please keep this grieving family in your prayers.

Car Accidents

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were five fatalities and 630 injuries involving car accidents in Santa Clarita. Countywide, 712 people died and 56,475 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2007.

What Caused this Fatal Accident?

Based on this news report, it's not quite clear why the driver of the Tercel was not able to see the stalled Honda Civic in time to avoid the collision. We do not know yet whether the Tercel's driver was under the influence, speeding or distracted at the time of the collision. We also do not know whether the driver of the Daewoo had sufficient time to stop before striking the Tercel. I trust these are some of the issues CHP investigators are looking into as far as this fatal car accident case is concerned.

The victims, particularly the family of Emerald Arias, would be well-advised to seek the counsel of a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who has extensive experience and a stellar track record holding negligent drivers accountable. Knowledgeable car accident lawyers will also advise victims and their families about how their car insurance policy applies to an incident that involves an uninsured or underinsured driver.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

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