Vidal Cruz Jr. held in DUI crash kills pedestrians in North Hollywood

CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

While it is almost always a driver’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians, they continue to face daily risks across the country. The GHSA estimates that 6,721 pedestrians were killed in 2020, representing a 4.8% increase from the 6,412 fatalities reported in 2019.

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a major factor in serious crashes, yet many drivers still engage in this dangerous behavior—placing lives at risk. Between 2014 and 2023, drunk-driving incidents resulted in approximately 11,000 deaths each year on average, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Accident Injury News, addressed incidents like this. “Apart from any criminal charges, the family of a victim may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party,” Bond stated.

“An attorney can serve as a vital advocate, helping families navigate the legal process with care while ensuring accountability for reckless and impaired drivers,” Bond added.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the families of the pedestrians killed may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.

“An incident qualifies as wrongful death when a negligent or wrongful act leads to the loss of life,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.

“When fatal crashes are caused by reckless behavior such as impaired or aggressive driving, surviving family members often have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against the responsible driver,” Bond added.

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