Woodland Hills, CA (November 16, 2024) – A tragic accident early Saturday morning claimed the life of 39-year-old Candy La Torre Zapata, who was fatally struck in a two-vehicle collision on the southbound Ventura (101) Freeway in Woodland Hills.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 12:12 a.m. near the Winnetka Avenue off-ramp, where California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to a scene involving a silver BMW and a black BMW. Both vehicles sustained significant damage, and large pieces of debris were scattered across multiple lanes, forcing the closure of the freeway for several hours. Zapata was discovered beneath one of the vehicles and was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. At this stage, the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that determining the cause of the crash is essential for identifying liable parties and understanding if negligence or reckless driving played a role. Factors such as impaired driving, speeding, or failure to obey traffic signals are often focal points in these investigations. Investigators should also look to poor road conditions and vehicle malfunctions as possible causes of the accident.
If negligence is identified, Zapata’s family may have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit, which can provide compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Candy La Torre Zapata during this challenging and heartbreaking time. I hope the investigation brings clarity and answers for all those affected by this tragic loss.
Source: My News LA