A pedestrian accident in Los Angeles the morning of May 22, 2010 proved fatal for 66-year-old Thomas Stout, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. The fatal collision occurred as Stout was loading items into a parked vehicle. It was then that a 2000 Chrysler Sebring operated by Josef Byron Britt III, 30, who was traveling east on Rinaldi Street in the Granada Hills area, struck a few parked vehicles. Stout was also hit as a result. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Britt has been arrested on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved Thomas Stout. This must indeed be a sudden and devastating loss for them. This grieving family will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 268 fatalities and 25,588 injuries involving car accidents in Los Angeles. Countywide, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear what caused Britt to slam into the parked cars, fatally injuring Stout. Was Britt under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs? Was he distracted at the time of the collision? Did he lose control of his vehicle and crash because he was speeding or driving recklessly? Although officials have charged him with felony manslaughter, it has not been clarified yet whether it was due to intoxication or reckless driving.

In such cases, it would be in the best interests of deceased victims' families to seek the counsel of a reputed Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who will keep abreast of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will also advise victims' families about how their car insurance policy will apply to an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver.

What are some of the dangerous roadways for pedestrians in your city?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

Bookmark and Share