Manhattan Beach, CA (December 16, 2024) – A tragic accident claimed the life of Michael Kawasaki, a 72-year-old pedestrian, on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach.
Accident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 6:28 a.m. in the 900 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. Bystanders attempted life-saving measures, but Kawasaki succumbed to blunt traumatic injuries at the scene. The driver involved remained on site and cooperated with investigators. Manhattan Beach police confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the crash. The collision prompted lane closures on Sepulveda Boulevard between 6th and 9th Streets until the early afternoon.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Driver Behavior: Investigators will need to examine factors like speed, attentiveness, and adherence to traffic laws.
- Roadway Safety: The stretch of Sepulveda Boulevard, where the collision occurred, has a documented history of accidents. Previous incidents, including fatalities in 2011 and 2013, highlight long-standing concerns about visibility issues caused by the road’s hilly topography. Accidents persist despite safety measures such as re-striping and installing a dedicated left-turn signal at 8th and Sepulveda in 2018. The municipality’s responsibility to maintain safe infrastructure could warrant further investigation, notably if design flaws contributed to this tragedy.
The loss of Michael Kawasaki raises the possibility of a wrongful death claim. These claims allow family members to seek compensation when another party’s negligence causes a loved one’s death. Recoverable compensation could include damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and emotional support, and loss of financial contributions the deceased would have provided. While no amount of compensation can bring back a loved one, such claims can help families cope with the financial and emotional aftermath of an unexpected loss.
I extend my deepest condolences to Michael Kawasaki’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.
Source: The MB News