[12-23-2024] Los Angeles County, CA – Man Dies in Collision on 110 Freeway in South LA
South Los Angeles, Los Angeles County – A fatal collision involving two vehicles occurred early Sunday morning in South Los Angeles, authorities confirmed.
The incident took place at approximately 5 a.m. in the northbound express lanes of the 110 Freeway, just south of Manchester Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash involved a black sedan and a gray cargo van, officials said. Tragically, after the initial impact, an out-of-service Metro bus struck the victim, Metro Los Angeles spokesman Jose Ubaldo reported.
“At around 5:10 a.m., an out-of-service Metro Line 210 bus traveling northbound on the 110 Freeway, just north of Century Boulevard, struck a body that had been ejected from an earlier, non-Metro-related accident,” Ubaldo explained. “Metro offers its heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.”
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as 23-year-old Giovanni Hernandez Santiago. Details regarding his place of residence were not released.
A Sigalert was issued at 5:33 a.m., shutting down all northbound lanes of the freeway for nearly two hours. Authorities reopened the lanes later that morning.
Source: FOX11
Who Can Claim Compensation When Someone Dies in a Car Accident?
In Los Angeles, California, specific rules govern who can claim compensation when someone dies in a car accident. These claims are typically handled under California’s wrongful death laws. Here’s a breakdown of who can claim compensation and what they may recover:
Who Can Claim Compensation in Los Angeles, California?
1. Immediate Family Members
- Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner: The spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased is the first eligible to file a claim.
- Children: Biological, adopted, or stepchildren who were financially dependent on the deceased may also file a claim.
- Parents: If the deceased had no spouse, domestic partner, or children, surviving parents may be eligible to file a claim.
2. Other Dependents
- Individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased, such as stepchildren, putative spouses (someone who believed in good faith they were married to the deceased), or other minor dependents, may also have the right to claim compensation under certain circumstances.
3. Executor of the Estate
- The personal representative (executor) of the deceased’s estate can file a survival action, which is separate from a wrongful death claim. This action seeks compensation for the deceased’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages incurred before death.
Types of Compensation Available
In Los Angeles, compensation for wrongful death may include:
Economic Damages
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future financial support.
- Loss of benefits such as pensions or healthcare.
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of companionship, care, love, or guidance (for close family members).
- Loss of consortium (for spouses or domestic partners).
- Emotional distress and mental suffering caused by the loss.
Steps to File a Wrongful Death Claim
- Hire an Experienced Attorney:
- Consult with a wrongful death attorney familiar with California law to understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
- Prove Liability:
- Establish that the at-fault party’s negligence or intentional misconduct caused the death. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction may be used.
- File Within the Statute of Limitations:
- California law requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years from the date of death. Survival actions also have a similar time limit.
- Gather Necessary Documentation:
- Include medical bills, proof of financial dependency, income verification, and other relevant records.
Special Considerations in Los Angeles
- Comparative Negligence: California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation may be reduced if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident.
- Uninsured Motorists: If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, compensation may be sought through the deceased’s uninsured motorist coverage.
- Metro-Related Accidents: If the accident involved a public transit vehicle, claims may need to be filed against a government entity, which has stricter deadlines (often 6 months).
Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles CA? Call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 and schedule a free consultation. If you also need a copy of your accident’s police report, you can request it for free by filling out this contact form:
