Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY -- A 33-year-old Lawndale man who survived a solo-vehicle collision on Interstate 15 was subsequently struck and killed by another vehicle, the Press-Enterprise reported. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, the victim, Ariel Travieso, was northbound on I-15, about two miles north of Dale Evans Parkway, when his vehicle struck black ice and he lost control and struck the center divider. Travieso reportedly got out of his vehicle and was subsequently struck by another vehicle on I-15. He was rushed to St. Mary's Medical Center in Apple Valley, where he died at 9:35 p.m.

Cause of the Interstate 15 Crash

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. It is likely that the ice in the road played a role in this crash, and that Travieso as well as the driver of the vehicle that ultimately struck him, were unaware of the present of the highly transparent thin layer of ice covering the road. It is unclear where in the roadway Travieso was when the other vehicle struck him. Based on the very limited information provided in news reports, it is unclear what exactly happened. Hopefully, the investigation by the CHP will reveal exactly what happened, and why.

Interstate 15 Accident Wrongful Death Liability

If the driver of the other vehicle was driving negligently, e.g., not paying attention, speeding, driving under the influence, or falling asleep at the wheel, the driver could be responsible for the death of Travieso. In addition to criminal charges for negligent driving, the victim could also be civilly liable for the wrongful death of the victim. While this accident remains under investigation, the family members of the deceased victim may consider speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable California wrongful death attorney. A lawyer who has represented numerous victims of Interstate 15 accidents can advise the family of their legal rights following this crash, and their best course of action to protect them. If the other driver was responsible, the family may be entitled to recover damages for final medical care, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits the decedent would have earned over his lifetime, and loss of love, care, affection and companionship.