Deadly collision happened at Mason Avenue and Saticoy Street, authorities say
WINNETKA, CA, (November 23, 2024) - The driver of a stolen vehicle who was involved in a brief police chase crashed into another car, fatally injuring its operator. It happened at Winnetka intersection, police said.
Cristina David, 46, was fatally hurt after her car was struck by a driver involved in a police pursuit Saturday afternoon at Winnetka intersection, according to authorities.
Tragically, Cristina David, 46, died at the scene of the crash in the San Fernando Valley community.
According to police, a white SUV was reportedly fleeing from police southbound along Mason Avenue Saturday afternoon when its driver disregarded a red light and slammed into a David's Tesla, which was going westbound on Saticoy Street. The SUV, police said, was reported stolen and ran the red light minutes after the pursuit lasted.
There were multiple people injured in the collision. The suspect driver, officials said, was arrested.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the number of drivers running red lights has hit a 10-year high, which is a 28% increase over the past five years. Two people are killed each day in the U.S. in these types of accidents.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their rights, while ensuring that a driver who does not obey traffic laws is held accountable for their actions,” Bond added.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Cristina David may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).