Teen Killed, Two Injured on Freeway Shoulder
A young teenaged girl was killed and two others injured as they were struck by a suspected drunk driver early Monday morning on the 60 Freeway in Hacienda Heights.
The crash was reported at 12:40 a.m. by the California Highway patrol on the right shoulder of the highway near the Seventh Avenue exit.
The 13 year old girl and a 41 year old woman were standing by their vehicle on the shoulder when a Honda Civic drifted into the shoulder and hit them. A 10 year old boy was also inside the vehicle when it was hit.
The teen was pronounced dead by the responding paramedics, and the woman was transported to a nearby hospital for serious injuries. The boy was also taken to the hospital for moderate injuries.
The driver, who was identified as 28 year old Tina Silva of Hacienda Heights fled the scene after the accident but police were able to track her down and arrest her on suspicion of driving under the influence.
She is currently being held in a local prison without bail, awaiting her court appearance, which has been scheduled for tomorrow. If convicted, she could face multiple years in jail, and a wealth of fines and community service for killing the girl while driving drunk and for fleeing the scene of the accident.
Police closed down lanes on the 60 Freeway to look into the accident, and discern why the vehicle was on the side of the road to begin with. Though a common breakdown is likely the cause, no official statement has been made.
Investigators are still looking into the crash to determine if there were any other factors in play beyond the wayward driving of the drunken Civic driver.
A breakdown on the highway can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. It is extremely important to move your vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic if at all possible, as finding yourself in the way of oncoming traffic leaves you wildly susceptible to being hit.
Nevertheless, there is little to do about drunk drivers listing to the side of the road to hit your car that has been safely moved away from danger.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident caused by a wayward drunk driver, you need help right away. The Consumers’ Law Group has what it takes to get you the justice you deserve. We are a group of well trained and professional Los Angeles injury attorneys with more than two decades of experience handling cases just like yours.
We can help you win settlement for all of the liable parties involved in your accident so you are confidently able to pay off piles of medical bills and other expenses you may have incurred throughout the ordeal. We do not charge a thing until your case is won. Call our injury attorneys today for your free evaluation!
Reviewed by Chris H. in 2012.