Hailey Smither Killed in Pedestrian Crash Involving Big Rig in Castaic of Los Angeles County
Castaic, CA (May 11, 2022) – Hailey Smither (28) died after getting hit by a big rig on the 5 freeway in Castaic of Los Angeles County. According to KHTS, the incident happened at around 2:20 am on Monday.
According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Josh Greengard, they received reports of a collision on 5 freeway on the northbound lane near Lake Hughes road. Reports state that Smither was walking across the traffic lanes when she got hit by a white International Navistar. The big rig headed northbound on I-5 Golden State Freeway at around 55 mph.
Hailey Smither was walking across traffic lanes when a big rig hit her on the I-5 Golden State Freeway.
After the impact, Smither got thrown off and fell several feet from the point of collision. Responders arrived at the scene, but Smither already died. She was pronounced dead by paramedics of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Right now, authorities haven’t released further details about the accident.
According to KHTS, Smither shared that looked forward to getting her life back together. She recently left a toxic relationship. She experienced multiple health issues and she planned to sell her ceramic artwork.
Smither stated in KHTS, “I have gained a stronger sense of self-love and trust and new compassion for others who are suffering… I have a new appreciation for life. I am truly SO (sic) happy to be alive with you and able to share my creations. But I don’t want to stop there.”
Google Map of Pedestrian Accident in Los Angeles County, CA
More About Pedestrian Accident Liability
Pedestrians usually get major injuries in pedestrian accidents. Sometimes, they can even cause death. When it comes to liability, it can fall on the pedestrian or driver based on various factors of the accident. Proving liability can become vague or obvious. The process generally involves finding out who acted carelessly, causing the accident. Any Los Angeles personal injury or accident lawyer will tell you that you need to show the following to prove negligence and liability:
- legal responsibility or “duty of care”
- violated or breached the duty of care
- the violation caused the accident
- the violation resulted in injuries or damages
In some cases, the driver might’ve sped down the road, hitting the pedestrian. This can put fault on the driver. Meanwhile, pedestrians can get hit by a car because they acted against traffic signals, such as jaywalking. In these instances, the pedestrian can become at fault. Other factors, such as lack of road markings and ample lighting, can also lead to pedestrian accidents. In these cases, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help look at all angles to determine liability. Learn more about pedestrian accident lawyers in California here. You can also check out these resources about wrongful death attorneys and personal injury lawyers.
Personal Injury (Wrongful Death) Claims in Los Angeles County
In this case, the family members of Hailey Smither can have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. However, it can depend on the investigation’s findings. In addition to that, negligence by a person or business can contribute to an accident, which might have resulted in the death of a family member. If that is the case, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim and receive a big settlement.
Indeed, no amount of money will ever make up for the death of a loved one. However, receiving the maximum settlement and winning a judgment can give a sense of justice. Also, it can offer some peace of mind.
Do you have any legal questions about accidents? Get answers and common accident-related legal advice here:
- Wrongful Death
- Pedestrian Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Hit and Run Accident
- Car Accident
- Truck Accident
Certainly, nothing can alleviate the pain of losing a loved one. However, it’s also important to get your rightful compensation to help with recovery. Getting advice and guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys can help you pursue your case. For instance, Jacoby and Meyers has a team of the best lawyers for any car accident, wrongful death, or motorcycle accident cases in California, including Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Sacramento. Consulting a lawyer can help you get insight and information about complicated topics, including car accident settlements and more. If you’d like to get professional advice about your case, give us a call today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.
