Los Angeles, CA (November 21, 2023) A mother and son lost their lives on Sunday evening when they were struck and killed by a vehicle in Los Angeles. The driver, identified as Isaiah Villegas, was arrested. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that the accident occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Burlington Avenue, in Los Angeles’ West Lake neighborhood.
Investigations revealed that the Villegas was driving east on Wilshire at a high rate of speed in a 2008 Cadillac CTS. He lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a traffic light pole, according to authorities. In a release from the Los Angeles Police Department, they stated that the driver continued driving east and hit two pedestrians who were standing on the southeast corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Burlington Avenue.
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Villegas then tried to leave the scene on foot, but police officers caught up to him and apprehended him about a block from the collision. Officers noticed that he seemed to be under the influence of alcohol and later determined that he was also speeding.
The paramedics arrived at the scene and found a 32-year-old man lying on the ground, unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The second pedestrian, a 63-year-old woman, said to be the man’s mother, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, but later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital, officials said.
Isaiah Villegas was arrested for vehicular manslaughter, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was booked in to the Metropolitan Detention Center with a bail set at $100,000.
Liability In Los Angeles Pedestrian Accidents
Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal crash-related injuries in 2017. Per trip, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a pedestrian collision including:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Driver distraction
- Inclement weather
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. The family of any victim that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of the two people killed in this accident. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
