Jennifer Barajas, 24, was killed in an Orange County car accident early morning on May 6, 2010, after she swerved, went off the southbound lanes of the 57 Freeway, in Fullerton, and struck a tree. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, police are still investigating what caused Barajas to lose control of her 2000 Honda Civic and go off the road. Barajas' family is apparently looking for answers as well because they believe there are "gaps in the investigation." Family members are asking anyone who may have witnessed this fatal car accident to call California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Fibrow at 714-567-6000.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jennifer Barajas for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. It is even more difficult for family members to find closure when they do not know exactly what caused their loved one's accident or death. I truly hope the Barajas family gets those answers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to CHP's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were four fatalities and 743 injuries involving car accidents in Fullerton, California. In Orange County as a whole, 152 people died and 13, 414 were injured as a result of car accidents during that same year.

What Caused this Accident?

Barajas' family members say she was alert right before she got in the vehicle. They don't think she fell asleep at the wheel. So, there are several questions here. Was there an auto defect or a mechanical malfunction in the Honda that caused her to lose control and crash? Was there another vehicle involved? For example, was Barajas run off the road by another driver who cut her off? Was her car clipped by another vehicle? Was this accident the result of a dangerous or defective roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine what exactly caused this tragic crash.

Claim for Compensation

If there was, in fact, another driver who caused this accident, he or she could be held liable for Barajas' wrongful death. In this case, he or she could even be charged with hit-and-run for leaving the scene of the accident. If an auto product defect caused the accident, then, the auto maker or manufacturer of the defective product could also be held liable.

Members of Barajas' family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and make sure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Also, in cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, family members of deceased victims could file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

What are the toughest challenges legally and financially for families of deceased car accident victims?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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