Everyday, millions of parents across the country take a leap of faith by sending their children to school. While most children are perfectly safe as they travel to and from school, car accidents can happen. Sometimes, they tragically alter a family forever. One family in California is likely still coming to grips with the loss of their young family member in an accident believed to have been caused by an unlicensed driver.
The accident happened at approximately 9:30 a.m. one morning in late January. A 9-year-old boy was reportedly walking to school with his 16-year-old sister and a 17-year-old male. Unfortunately, a 17-year-old male driving a pickup truck overcorrected after losing traction, causing the vehicle to strike the group of pedestrians.
The youngest victim died at the scene of the accident. Police say that while drugs and alcohol were not found at the scene, the driver of the pickup did not have a license. The driver has since been cited, but police say more charges may be filed.
While teenagers are understandably eager to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, there are laws in place in California and across the country that protect those in or near the roadways. Those who fail to obey those rules can cause a serious or even fatal car accident. For example, this family is grieving the loss of a child. Many victims of car accidents — including the family members of deceased victims — have sought financial relief in a civil court. By doing so, they could find relief for one aspect of their life, allowing them to focus on emotional recovery.
Source: fresnobee.com, “Parlier schoolboy killed in accident involving unlicensed teen driver”, Lewis Griswold and Andrea Castillo, Jan. 29, 2015