[12-17-2024] Los Angeles County, CA – Two Men Killed in West Covina Car Crash Identified
West Covina, Los Angeles County – The two individuals who lost their lives early Saturday in a single-car accident on the San Bernardino (10) Freeway in West Covina have been identified by their family as Dante Latrell Treggs and Derrick Cobb, a Grammy-nominated artist.
Both men were passionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community. Dante had recently completed the AIDS Life Cycle, a 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, to raise awareness for the cause.
Derrick, known for his work as a singer, songwriter, and model, was signed with Atlantic BMI and served as a Grammy board member.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on the westbound lanes near the Barranca Street onramp. Authorities reported that the vehicle, a blue sedan, collided with the freeway’s right shoulder wall.
Source: 2 Urban Girls
Who Can Claim Compensation When Someone Dies in a Car Accident?
In cases where someone dies in an accident, the right to claim compensation typically depends on the laws of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. In California (where this accident occurred), certain individuals are legally entitled to pursue compensation under a wrongful death claim. Those who can file a claim generally include:
- Immediate Family Members:
- Spouse or Domestic Partner: The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased has the first right to file.
- Children: Biological or adopted children can also claim compensation.
- If there are no surviving children or spouse, the next category applies.
- Other Dependents:
- Parents of the Deceased: If they were financially dependent on the deceased, parents may be entitled to compensation.
- Stepchildren: Stepchildren who were financially supported by the deceased can file a claim.
- Other Heirs: If no immediate family members exist, individuals who would inherit under California’s intestate succession laws may pursue a claim.
- A Personal Representative of the Estate:
If no eligible family member steps forward, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. Any compensation awarded would go to the estate and be distributed to the heirs.
Types of Compensation Available
When a wrongful death claim is filed, compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury
- Loss of income and financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, care, and emotional support for surviving loved ones
Additional legal claims might also be pursued if negligence or misconduct caused the accident (e.g., poor road maintenance, defective car parts).
To determine eligibility and the best course of action, families are advised to consult an experienced California wrongful death lawyer.
Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles CA? Call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 to schedule a free consultation. If you need a copy of your accident’s police report, you can request it for free by filling out this contact form:
