Car Salesman Killed on Test Drive
A Claremont car dealership salesman was killed Monday on a hot rod test drive with a client on the 210-La Vern Freeway.
What seemed like a normal day at work for Benny Tachdjian turned to be the opposite. Tachdjian, a 62-year-old of La Verne was going about his typical schedule showing clients cars and offering them the option of a test drive when he came across one man that would change his life forever.
Dennis Tessenske, a 70-year-old of Mesa, Arizona wanted to test drive a 1926 Ford Hot Rod, so he and Tachdjian drove off the lot onto the 210 eastbound.
At about 10:20 a.m. for unknown reasons, Tessenske allegedly lost control of the vehicle traveling at about 40 to 45 miles per hour.
According to California Highway Patrol Officer Kerri Rivas both victims were riding in lane number four when the accident happened.
The hot rod swerved right, struck the curb and hit a light pole. Unfortunately, that Ford did not come with seatbelts and the passengers were ejected from the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Tachdjian was fully ejected while Tessenske was only partially thrown out. The car dealership employee struck his head on a rock and hit the concrete on the right shoulder.
Both victims were transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. Techdjian died at 11:44 a.m. Tessenske was treated for neck and back pain.
Authorities issued a Sigalert and shut two eastbound lanes and the Towne Avenue onramp for about an hour and a half while authorities searched for clues that may lead them to further understand the accident. A tow truck went to the site and cleared up the vehicle and the debris left behind.
The crash remains under investigation. CHP did not disclose the name of the used car dealership. There were no other passengers aboard the vehicle when the accident happened.
Some vehicles do not carry seatbelts because they are much older models and were manufactured without them. It wasn’t until the seatbelt was invented and its safety proved that it was mandated through most of the United States that people who are in vehicles must wear seatbelts. The law is either primary or secondarily enforced and children under a certain age must always wear a seatbelt or be in a car seat.
Having a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you or your loved one get the representation needed to get the maximum compensation you deserve. Often insurance companies will try and give you what they think is sufficient, and in most cases it does not suffice the damage incurred, so contact and accident attorney today!
Reviewed by Chris H. in 2012.