Teenage Girl Killed on 60 Freeway When Struck by Drunk Driver

A suspected drunk driver killed a teenage girl and injured two other people while they were standing next to their disabled vehicle on the 60 Freeway, according to reports from the California Highway Patrol.

The accident occurred at about 12:40 a.m. just before the Seventh Avenue exit in Hacienda Heights.

According to the investigation conducted by the California Highway Patrol, the 13-year-old girl and her 41-year-old mother were standing on the side of the freeway and trying to fix their car, when a Honda Civic swerved into them.

The girl’s 10-year-old brother was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle and was also hurt by the impact of the crash.

The teenage girl took the brunt of the impact and was killed immediately on impact. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother and brother were both transported to the hospital and are expected to survive.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Tina Silva, a 28-year-old from Hacienda Heights. Initially after the crash, she continued on and exited the freeway, but a witness followed her from the scene and contacted law enforcement officials.

She was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving among other charges. She is being held by the Hacienda Heights Police Department without bail.

Her first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday. It is unknown whether Silva had any prior convictions or arrests for driving under the influence.

If your vehicle ever breaks down while you are on the freeway, there are some tips that you can put into practice to avoid getting injured.

First off, pull over to the right of the road, as far away from the traffic as you possibly can. Hang a piece of brightly colored cloth or paper out of the window to increase your visibility to passing vehicles, especially if it is night, or foggy. You can also turn your blinkers on and your high-beams as a precaution.

The next most important thing is for you to stay in your vehicle, unless you know it’s a small problem that you can easily fix. Never get out of your vehicle on the side of the car that is exposed to the busy roadway.

Call for help while you are in your vehicle. If you know that the problem is not serious, call AAA or a towing company. If you or someone else in the vehicle is injured, then call emergency responders at 9-1-1.

If you have been injured or lost someone in a tragic car accident, then you should call a car accident lawyer to help ease your pain and suffering. At AA-Accident Attorneys, we can help you win compensation for the emotional, physical and financial burdens that you have had to deal with after your accident. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyer will fight the negligent parties and the insurance companies on your behalf so that you win the maximum compensation that you deserve. All of our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that if you don’t have to pay, unless we win your case. Call today for your free evaluation!