Azusa, CA (December 25, 2024) – A tragic crash early Christmas morning in Azusa claimed the life of a 57-year-old woman and left 25-year-old Edmund Tseng.
Accident Details: The collision occurred around 5:05 a.m. on the South Azusa Avenue off-ramp of the eastbound 210 Freeway. A 17-year-old driving a 2019 Ford Fusion lost control, striking a guardrail before veering down an embankment and crashing into the left side of a parked 2016 Porsche Cayenne. The impact pushed the Porsche into a Dodge Charger, and debris struck a nearby parked Chevrolet Silverado truck.
The woman, who was a rear-seat passenger in the Porsche, was rushed to Pomona Valley Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her name has not yet been released, but she was a 57-year-old resident of Azusa. Edmund Tseng, the driver of the Porsche, sustained injuries and was also hospitalized. The teenage driver of the Ford Fusion suffered minor injuries, received treatment, and was later arrested. Authorities believe alcohol or drugs may have contributed to the crash.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as suspected in this case, is a clear breach of duty of care owed to others on the road. Impaired driving diminishes reaction times and decision-making ability, leading to dangerous situations like veering off the road or losing control of a vehicle. The 17-year-old driver may face criminal and civil consequences if impairment is confirmed.
Civilly, the family of the woman who lost her life may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim, holding the teenage driver accountable for his actions. With this claim, they may be able to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and damages for emotional suffering. Similarly, Edmund Tseng may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for his medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman whose life was tragically lost. My thoughts are also with Edmund Tseng as he recovers from his injuries.
Source: The Sun