Los Angeles, CA (January 3, 2024) A deadly crash in Los Angeles has now claimed 3/4 of a family, according to City News Service. 49-year-old Jose Manuel Pascagaza, along with his 5-year-old daughter, Mia Pascagaza both died at the scene. 26-year-old Luisa Arenas sustained critical injuries in the collision and was rushed to a local hospital, where she passed away on Tuesday, January 2nd. Their 1-year-old daughter is the only surviving member of the family. She is currently in the hospital fighting for her life, according to authorities.
It all started on New Year’s Eve, at approximately 11:20 p.m. when an SUV slammed into the family’s vehicle in the Harvard Park area of Los Angeles. The collision happened at the intersection of 60th Place and Normandie Avenue. The driver of the SUV, 22-year-old Issac Jordan Kahari was actually fleeing a previous hit-and-run and crashed into the family’s sedan while speeding away from the scene. Detective Ryan Moreno of the Los Angeles Police Department stated the crash was “so violent” that it sent the family’s car crashing through a street sign and then a fence. Moreno said that witnesses and those who heard the crash said it sounded like an explosion.
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Good Samaritans at the scene tried to help the family, but in the end, there was really nothing they could do, authorities said. The father, Jose Pasgagasa, and the couple’s 5-year-old daughter, Mia, were both, sadly, pronounced dead at the scene. The mother, Luisa Arenas was riding in the front passenger seat. She was rushed to a local hospital for treatment for very serious injuries. She hung on for a couple of days, but unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday night, January 2nd.
The youngest family member has been “fighting for her life” in a local hospital, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. A glimpse of hope in this horrible tragedy was given when medical personnel announced that the toddler was showing signs of improvement.
Kahari was treated for injuries at a local hospital and taken into custody. LAPD Police Chief Donald Graham said that Kahari faces murder charges and they are awaiting the results of his toxicology report.
Who Is At Fault In A Los Angeles Collision
Although safety measures for vehicles have improved over the years, car accidents remain one of the leading causes of severe injuries and even death in the United States. More than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million injured in car accidents each year, according to the CDC. Several things contribute to car accidents, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, inclement weather, dangerous turns, speeding and even roads that are poorly designed.
Every driver is legally obligated to avoid causing accidents. This holds even more true for commercial drivers who work for the city. A large number of collisions are due to drivers who make dangerous left turns.
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, such as finding any surveillance evidence of the accident, taking photos of the scene and damaged vehicles, speaking with witnesses, preserving medical records and last, but not least, a thorough investigation should be conducted.
Any victim’s family could have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages sought in a legal claim can help cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. It is important that all evidence is preserved properly following a car accident. An attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what legal options you have.
The Investigation Of A Los Angeles Accident
All of us at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Jose Pascagaza, Luisa Arenas and Mia Pascagaza. If you have any information about this accident, you should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for those who have lost so much in this accident.
Do you or someone you know need more information about an accident in Los Angeles? Reach out to us any time at (866) 945-4286. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you. We care that accident victims know their rights and that those rights are protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need help regarding a specific accident, we care and are ready to help. Call us or use our online contact form at Accident News Now.
