LOS ANGELES, CA (June 1, 2022) – A Los Angeles city official, identified as Joseph Avalos, struck and killed a pedestrian on Tuesday. The accident occurred on the 170 freeway in North Hollywood. According to the L.A. Times, Avalos, the director of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s crisis response team, was driving a city vehicle when the accident happened.
The director was traveling northbound on Highway 170 around 10:30 p.m. when he struck the pedestrian near Victory Boulevard. It is unknown why there was a pedestrian on the freeway.
Aerial footage showed some damage to the vehicle that Joseph Avalos was driving, as well as a tent covering the body of the decedent.
Avalos is also a reserve officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, which he has held for seven years.
The Times also reports:
Last year, Avalos was in the news after being hospitalized with COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. He had a breakthrough case of the highly contagious Delta variant, he told The Times, and it almost killed him.
What saved him, his doctors said, was the fact that he had been vaccinated, and he urged fellow LAPD officers and others to “think twice” before they refuse the jab.
The victim’s identity in this case is still unknown.
Liability In Los Angeles 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 A Los Angeles Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of the decedent in this case. 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 Los Angeles 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 (888) 395-7234.