California Car Accident Reports

Elizabeth Amstone, 18, was killed in a Los Angeles car accident after the driver of the car in which she was a passenger lost control and crashed the vehicle in Irwindale. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the car accident occurred the morning of December 1, 2009 after a 1995 Acura Integra, driven by Deshawn Johnson, 17, heading southbound on the 605 Freeway near Arrow Highway, veered to the right and on to a dirt embankment before rolling over on the shoulder. Amstone was ejected and fell partially on to the far right lane, California Highway Patrol officials said. It is not clear how fast the car was going or why it went off the road. CHP officials are not sure whether Amstone was wearing her seatbelt. She died at the scene while Deshawn escaped with minor injuries to his left hand and right leg.

Deadly Rollover Accident

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of young Elizabeth Amstone for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this young woman. They will be in my prayers.

There was one fatality and 232 injuries involving car accidents in Irwindale, California, according to CHP's 2007 traffic accident statistics. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 712 people died and 56,475 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2007.

Based on this news report, it's not clear exactly how or why the 17-year-old lost control of the Acura. Was he driving too fast? Did alcohol or drugs play a role? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction that caused him to lose control of the car? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Did another driver run Deshawn Johnson off the freeway? The answers to these questions and more should help clarify what happened here.

Auto Products Liability Issues

If I were a member of Amstone's family, I'd also want to determine whether Amstone was ejected from the vehicle because of a defective seatbelt. Did her seat restraint system fail during this rollover crash causing her fatal injuries? In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the crashed vehicle, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for seatbelt defects, other product defects or mechanical malfunctions. A reputed Los Angeles personal injury attorney, who has successfully handled seatbelt defect cases will be able to help this family and advise them about their legal rights and options.

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.