Northridge, CA (November 6, 2023) – Officer Darrell Cunningham Shamily of the LAPD and a passenger in his car were both killed on Saturday, November 4th, in a tragic DUI related car crash on West Roscoe Boulevard in Northridge, California. According to new source ABC7, the accident took place around 1:15 a.m. at the intersection with Lindley Avenue.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that 20 year old Brian Olivarez was driving a BWM on Roscoe at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and failed to stop at a red light at the intersection. This caused him to collide violently with the white Infiniti on Lindley, being driven containing Darrell Shamily along with two other passengers. The BMW then kept going, colliding with a tree and an apartment building. Three individuals were trapped within their vehicles and had to be extricated by firefighters.
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Paramedics from the LAFD were dispatched to the scene to help with those who had been injured but sadly, Shamily and the front seat passenger in the Infiniti, whose identity has not been released, were pronounced dead at the scene. The third occupant of the Infiniti, an off duty sheriff deputy from San Bernardino County, along with the BMW driver and a passenger from the BMW were all take the hospital in serious condition.
Initial evidence suggests that Olivarez was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Police are actively investigating the death of Darrel Shamily and his friend.
Liability In Northridge 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 Death of Darrell Shamily
We at Accident News Now extend our condolences to the family and friends of those killed in this tragic incident. 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 Northridge car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need assistance after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.