The Los Angeles Times reported on three car accident victims who addressed the court after a man was found guilty of second-degree murder, hit-and-run and multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The man had driven intentionally onto the sidewalk, around pedestrian barriers, and into a crowd on Venice Boardwalk after he was angered by a botched drug deal. An Italian newlywed couple died and 17 other people were injured because of his actions. Three of the victims spoke at his sentencing hearing after his conviction, and more were expected to speak.
The case was unusual due to the intentional actions of this driver who intended to cause harm, but even drivers who do not purposefully hit their victims can still shatter the victim’s lives forever. The testimony provided in this sentencing hearing shows some of the different types of physical and emotional damages that may stay with crash victims for months, years, or even the rest of their lives after a collision.
The Lasting Physical and Emotional Injuries After a Car Accident
One of the crash victims was a 28-year-old woman whose vertebrae was shattered when she was struck by the driver’s car as she walked along Venice Boardwalk on a date with her boyfriend. She used to love to run and dance, but described to the court her sadness at barely being able to walk as a result of the motor vehicle collision.
The woman’s 36-year-old boyfriend also spoke at the sentencing, describing how his injuries made it very hard for him to even get out of bed on some days and how his injuries made it impossible for him to hold down a job.
A third woman who had been on a walk with her family described the lasting emotional ramifications of the accident, indicating she now had a severe fear of crowds, of crosswalks, and of cars. Her fear made her heart beat fast, caused her to start sweating, and sometimes left her with a ringing in her ears.
The consequences these victims suffered will be with them for the rest of their lives. The family members of the newlyweds who were killed are also expected to speak at the sentencing hearing. Their losses, too, will never go away.
Many victims of collisions suffer similar types of physical and emotional harm. Victims should get counseling from a trained psychologist or psychiatrist when they experience PTSD and other emotional aftereffects of an accident. The Trauma Survivors Network can also help victims to connect with local support groups in their area who have also endured car accidents or similar harmful experiences.
Getting Help from a Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Your Injuries are Personal to Me
After a car accident, you deserve to be fully compensated for both physical and emotional injuries that change your life. The Law Office of Michael D. Waks provides representation to pedestrians and motorists who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one because of someone else’s actions. I have helped many clients successfully pursue a lawsuit seeking full compensation for all damages, including non-financial losses. I will fight to hold the negligent driver accountable to you. Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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