One Killed, Two Injured by Suspected Drunken Driver in Hacienda Heights

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – A devastating alleged hit-and-run drunken driving accident on a freeway in Hacienda Heights Sunday left one dead and two injured, cbsloangeles.com reports. The accident happened at about 12:40 a.m. on the westbound 60 Freeway, east of 7th Avenue. According to reports given by the California Highway Patrol, a Honda Civic traveling on the west on the freeway drifted towards the right shoulder of the highway and struck a 13-year-old girl, and a 41-year-old woman before hitting their disabled vehicle on the road.
Following the crash, the 13-year-old girl identified as Mary Hively of Santa Monica was reported to have died at the scene. A 10-year-old boy in the backseat of the disabled car sustained moderate injuries, and the 41-year-old woman, whose name and relationship to the children is unknown at this time, was seriously injured. The two surviving victims were taken to hospital for treatment. The driver of the Honda, 28-year-old Tina Silva of Hacienda Heights, exited the freeway at 7th Avenue after the collision, but was later contacted by authorities and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, reports latimes.com.
Cause of the Fatal Hacienda Heights Accident
This tragic accident on June 3rd remains under the investigation by the California Highway Patrol. However, if information obtained from multiple news sources are accurate, the driver of the Honda can be at fault for the incident due to driving under while under the intoxication of alcohol.
Wrongful Death and Injury Liability for DUI Accidents
After a tragic and unexpected accident such as this one, the victims or the family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak to a lawyer regarding their legal rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. A compassionate attorney who is experienced in these types of situations can help the victims and the families understand and protect their legal rights in recovering the maximum compensation for victims’ injuries and the loss of their loved one. If police confirm that the driver was drunk at the time of the incident, an attorney can assist the injured victims or their family in holding the driver civilly and financially liable for the irreparable damages.