Woman Dies after Husband Falls Asleep at the Wheel

A couple was driving home Thursday morning after working a graveyard shift when the man fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed the car, killing his wife who was riding in the passenger seat. The fatal accident occurred in Canoga Park and the car was driving west on Vanowen Street when the man dozed off and hit a tree and a parked car.

The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division has investigated the accident and concluded that no drugs or alcohol were involved. The wife was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, and was pulled out of the vehicle by her husband before she passed away at the scene. When a tragic car accident, such as this one, leads to a fatality, relatives of the deceased victim may choose to file for a wrongful death claim to hold the driver accountable for his or her negligence.

These claims do not always depend on the ability to prove that the driver was intentionally irresponsible, and a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help you determine if your situation qualifies for a wrongful death claim. The period of time surrounding a tragic loss can be emotionally devastating and challenging. Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for answers to your tough questions and caring legal support.