$150 Million for 13-Year-Old Who Lost Family in Los Angeles Car Accident

As wrongful death lawyers we are often touched by the cases we handle and the stories the read in the news. And this one about the Asam wrongful death case is no exception.

In a case that has made national headlines, a 13-year old girl was awarded $150 million after she watched her family burn to death in a fiery accident on a Los Angeles freeway. The jury found a California trucking company and one of its drivers liable in the deaths of three members of the Asam family nearly four years ago.

Kylie Asam was 9 when she and her 11-year-old brother, Blaine, managed to escape from their family’s mangled SUV after it struck and got caught under a big rig parked on the shoulder of Interstate 210 nearly four years ago. They saw their parents and older brother get burned alive after the vehicle they were trapped in caught fire.

The verdict included $8.75 million the jury awarded to Blaine, who committed suicide on his mother’s birthday, before the trial began.

A jury deliberated for about three days before finding last week that the truck driver, Rudolph Ortiz, was negligent for parking on the side of the freeway in the early morning darkness without leaving on any light or emergency reflector. Ortiz and his employer, Watsonville-based Bhandal Bros. Trucking, were found jointly liable.

As is often the case, the most tragic victims of many car accidents are the survivors, those family members who are left behind. Wrongful death claims are legal actions taken by a spouse, parent, or child who has lost a loved one. An experienced advocate can investigate any death and identify the individuals or entities responsible. We are experienced in complex claims and are dedicated to maximizing compensation for our clients. We understand the gravity of any loss and are committed to protecting the rights and interests of victims.

If you lost a loved one in an accident, contact The Elia Law Firm, APC in San Diego for a confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 1-619-444-2244.