Katlyn Stallard killed in Littlerock Pearblossom Hwy collision

FATAL HEAD-ON ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The Antelope Valley station of the California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

“Determining who is responsible for a motor vehicle collision requires investigators to establish whether a driver acted carelessly or negligently,” said Candice Bond, a national analyst for Accident Injury News and Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “In many cases, the at-fault driver can be readily identified after a crash. However, in some situations, determining responsibility can be far more complex.”

Each year, roughly 36,000 people die and another 1.9 million are injured in motor vehicle crashes across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is the leading cause of fatal crashes, followed by alcohol, drugs or medication, failure to remain in the proper lane, failure to yield the right of way, and distracted driving.

“Another challenge is that multiple agencies, including law enforcement and insurance companies, may reach conclusions about fault without conducting a complete investigation,” Bond said.

For that reason, an independent investigation conducted by an experienced law firm can be critical.

“Wrongful death attorneys provide legal guidance and counsel to families who have lost a loved one in an accident,” Bond said. “We help protect their rights and work to prevent statements made to police or insurance companies from being used against them.”

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending results of the investigation, the family of Katlyn Stallard may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. When a loved one is lost, surviving family members may instead file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages for funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.”

Formica added, “Insurance companies are often more concerned with limiting payouts than addressing the financial and emotional burdens families face after a tragedy. That’s where an attorney can make a difference. We work every day to protect victims and their families while holding insurance companies accountable for their mistakes.”

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)