HOLLISTER, CA (August 17, 2022) – Children Lucy, Leigh (14 years old) and Ben (12 years old) Biakanja were killed along with their mother in a Tesla after colliding with a truck on Sunday night according to KSBW.
The Biakanja children were passengers in a Tesla driven by their 53-year-old mother when the vehicle veered left on Highway 156 into a tractor-trailer.
All four of the Carmel valley family were killed in the collision at around 8:05 p.m. Lucy and Leigh were twins.
Carmel Middle School principal Dan Morgan sent out an e-mail to the Carmel Unified School District. It read:
“Last night, August 14, 2022, Lucy, Leigh and Ben Biakanja, along with their mother, passed away in a car accident. They were all enrolled in Carmel Middle School and attended Tularcitos before joining CMS.”
Investigators were trying to determine whether the vehicle had self-driving mode engaged. However, it was a 2014 Tesla Model S, which does not include this feature.
Authorities are asking any witnesses who saw the accident, or the events leading up to the accident, to contact them for more information.
Liability In Monterey County Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating the Biakanja Children’s Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the Biakanja family. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Hollister car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.