Lakewood, CA (September 27, 2024) – A devastating accident occurred on Friday when a driver ran a red light and caused a fatal chain reaction that claimed the life of 65-year-old Tami Hayworth, a bicyclist, in Lakewood.
Accident Details: The collision occurred around 8:30 a.m. at the East Del Amo and Norwalk Boulevards intersection. According to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Department, the driver of a Honda allegedly ignored a red light. The Honda struck a school bus making a left turn onto Norwalk Boulevard. The crash’s impact forced the Honda to veer into Hayworth, who was waiting for the light to change at the intersection. Tragically, she was killed as a result of the collision.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner ruled her death an accident. The school bus driver, who was the only occupant of the bus, was hospitalized for anxiety following the traumatic event.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
Running a Red Light: Investigators will likely focus on the actions of the Honda driver who allegedly ran the red light, triggering the series of events that led to the fatal crash. Running a red light constitutes a serious traffic violation in California and may form the basis for a negligence claim.
Wrongful Death: In traffic violation cases, the driver responsible for running the red light can often be held accountable for the harm caused by their negligence. If the investigation confirms that the Honda driver ran the red light, Tami Hayworth’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. They may be able to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress damages.
My deepest condolences go out to Tami Hayworth’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. I hope that the ongoing investigation will provide them with answers.
Source: CBS News