A 43-year-old woman watching fireworks with her children and nieces was killed when a car plowed into her family Sunday night, KTLA News reported. The accident occurred outside the Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall, just before 10 p.m., on Valencia Boulevard at Mall Entrance Drive. According to news reports, a two-car collision involving a sedan and an SUV at the intersection sent one of the vehicles onto a curb, where it struck Matilde Garnica Juarez, 43, of Newhall, died at the scene. Her two children and four nieces were also hurt. One of her children suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Children's Hospital. The other victims with non-life-threatening were taken by ambulance to Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital.
It is absolutely heartbreaking that a family outing to enjoy a fireworks show ended in such tragedy. Our condolences go out to the family of Matilda Gamica and everyone who knew and loved her. We hope that her children and nieces make a full recovery. Please keep this entire family in your prayers, as this accident has surely changed their lives forever.
Cause of the Fatal Accident
As pedestrian on a sidewalk, Matilde Garnica Juarez and the children she was with were innocent victims of tragedy. The cause of the Valencia pedestrian accident remains under investigation, and it was not immediately known if alcohol was a factor in the collision. SHERIFF'S DETECTIVES URGE ANYONE WHO WITNESSED THE CRASH TO CONTACT DETECTIVE JEFF MAAG THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SHERIFF'S STATION AT (661) 255-1121.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Liability
The family members of all of the victims of this pedestrian accident would be well-advised to talk to a Los Angeles personal injury attorney as soon as possible, who can help them understand and protect their legal rights, and obtain compensation for their injuries and the wrongful death of their loved one. In cases such as this one, injured victims are advised to contact an attorney soon after an accident, while evidence and witness recollections are still fresh. Compensation for a personal injury claim may include damages for medical expenses, loss of earnings, emotional pain and suffering, and other accident related expenses. Wrongful death damages can include money for loss of love, care and support, anticipated future earnings and benefits, and funeral and burial expenses.
Sources: KTLA News, Los Angeles Times, My Fox LA, Los Angeles Daily News
In all honesty, I hope the city does take some responsibility here. They outlaw fireworks, advertise this annual event as happening at this shopping center, bring in a huge crowd, then block off one but not all of the streets making up the perimeter of the center. The one blocked street was not to make more room, as no one was allowed to stand in it. It could only have been a safety measure.. but 1/4 of the total needed, meaning 1/4 of us were protected, while the rest were not. If it weren't for the city bringing the huge crowd in, the chances of one person, let alone a family, standing on that corner were slim.