Big Sister Live-Streamed Deadly Crash that Killed Her Little Sister

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By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

Can social media video posts impact lawsuits?

When someone is killed in a California drunk driving accident, it is always tragic. When an 18-year-old allegedly drunk driver crashes, killing her 14-year-old sister and seriously injuring the sister’s 14-year-old friend, the situation is particularly tragic. But in one case, things got even worse.

Thanks to the teenage addiction that is social media today, a recent fatal California car accident –which was live-streamed by the teenaged driver on Instagram Live –brought the tragic footage into the lives of many who were able to view the horrific accident and its aftermath through the online viral video.

The video reportedly shows the distracted driver “driving erratically and not holding the wheel” before losing control and crashing. Her two young passengers were ejected from the vehicle. Remarkably, the driver reportedly resumed filming the aftermath of the gruesome crash just moments later – – including close-up footage of her dying sister apparently “suffering major head trauma “–complete with an “expletive-laden commentary” and an admission that she killed her sister.

The driver, “whose blood alcohol content was reportedly 0.10%”, pleaded guilty to “half a dozen felony criminal offenses including gross vehicular manslaughter” and allegedly faces “up to 13 years and eight months in prison” if convicted.

Regardless of whether criminal charges are brought or sustained against an at-fault driver, those injured (or the closest surviving relative of those killed) as a direct result of the driver’s conduct may be entitled to compensatory damages in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Compensatory damages in a personal injury action may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished future earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage and more. Wrongful death suits area more complex, but recoverable damages may include the final medical expenses and funeral expenses for the victim, plus lost future income, property damage, mental anguish, loss of care and services, and more depending on the survivor’s relationship to the victim as determined on a case-by-case basis.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has been killed, in a drunk driving accident, car accident, or any accident due to the actions of someone else, the attorneys at the law firm of J&Y can help you get the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Even though we can’t bring back a loved one, we can help you obtain compensation to relieve the financial burden caused by your loss. Contact us today for a free consultation.

With 21 offices throughout California, including our headquarters in Los Angeles, compassionate and skilled legal representation is always close by.

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About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.