Philanthropist and Former Magazine Publisher Charged in Fatal Accident

Rebecca Grossman, the philanthropist and former magazine publisher killed two children in an intersection crash that police blame on a combination of speed and alcohol.

The wreck happened at the corner of Triunfo Canyon Road and Saddle Mountain Drive. As a family of six was crossing the street inside the crosswalk, the parents heard a car approaching at a high rate of speed. They were able to protect the two children closest to them, including one who was in a stroller. But an 11-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy were a few steps away, so 57-year-old Rebecca Grossman struck them. Investigators stated that Grossman carried one of the boys on her hood for about a hundred feet before she stopped.

The 11-year-old was declared dead at the scene. The 8-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Grossman, whose bail was set at $2 million, is scheduled to appear in court on October 21.

Speed and Pedestrian Collisions: The Devastating Impact of Recklessness

People crossing the street have no protection from oncoming cars. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to serious injury. If speed is a factor in the wreck, the results are often even more tragic. Speed increases the risk of a collision and the force in a collision.

Speed multiples stopping distance. So, even if speeding drivers see pedestrians in the road, they have less time to react. At 20mph, most vehicles travel about three car lengths in the few moments it takes for a driver to see a hazard, apply the brakes, and safely stop the car. At 30mph, stopping distance doubles to six car lengths.

Velocity not only multiplies stopping distance. It also multiples the force in a collision between two objects. Because of the aforementioned vulnerability, this effect is more pronounced in pedestrian accidents. At speeds of 25mph or lower, the pedestrian death rate is less than 10 percent. The fatality rate skyrockets to 50 percent at impact speeds of 40mph.

Even if pedestrians survive the impact, the road to recovery is long and winding. Many of these victims sustain head injuries. These wounds are always permanent. When brain cells die, they never regenerate. Physical therapy assuages the symptoms. But brain injury physical therapy is long and difficult. Therapists must slowly train uninjured areas of the brain to assume lost functions.

Alcohol and Car Crashes

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs judgment and motor skills. While this may be acceptable in social settings, it is a deadly combination on the road. When impaired drivers cause accidents, the legal ramifications are serious. In Los Angeles, a personal injury attorney may have several legal options available, depending on the circumstances.

If emergency responders file criminal charges such as DUI manslaughter, negligence per se typically applies. This means that a driver who violates safety laws—like driving while intoxicated—and causes harm, is presumed negligent.

Even if the driver technically “beats” the DUI charges, they may still be liable in a civil court. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal cases, making it easier for the victim or their family to prove negligence.

Circumstantial evidence, such as erratic driving, bloodshot eyes, and unsteady balance, can help establish that the driver was impaired. Even if a driver only consumed one drink or used prescription medication, they could be considered impaired.

Legal Consequences and Compensation After a Fatal Accident

In the tragic case of the Grossman accident, the family of the two children may be entitled to compensation. Victims or their families can pursue damages for both economic losses, such as medical bills, and non-economic losses, like pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be available in extreme cases, such as this one.

Running over two children in a crosswalk while speeding and intoxicated is a serious act of negligence, and the legal repercussions for such actions are significant.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Compensation with Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

A few moments of neglect behind the wheel can result in devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident or a similar incident caused by an impaired driver or excessive speeding, it is crucial to consult with an experienced accident attorney in Los Angeles. Legal representation ensures that you have the best chance of receiving justice and fair compensation for the harm caused.

At the Law Office of Eslamboly Hakim, we offer a free consultation for individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. We do not charge upfront legal fees, and we work on a contingency basis. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.