Bakersfield, CA – Two Killed In Car Crash On Interstate 5 Freeway
Bakersfield, CA (November 17, 2018) – A two-year-old girl, Emmanitta Torres, and a 41-year-old man, Penitito Lemana, were killed on Friday morning around 2:00 AM in a traffic accident that took place on the Interstate 5 Freeway near Bear Mountain Boulevard.
Initial police reports of this tragic incident indicate that a Ford Expedition occupied by six family members was driving down the Interstate at approximately 80 miles per hour. For reasons that have not yet been established, the Expedition drifted across the center line and out over the righthand shoulder of the road. The car then proceeded to roll over multiple times ejecting both Torres and Lemana from the vehicle. Authorities said that neither was wearing their seatbelt. Both were pronounced dead at the scene when police and paramedics arrived.
The driver, 21-year-old Leilua Jean Lemana and another two-year-old, Emmanitta’s twin, were both airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of major and minor injuries, respectively. A teenager and a one-year-old were also in the car at the time of the accident and were both taken to Kern Medical for medical assistance. Police also stated that while both of the other children were secured in car seats, the car seats themselves were not fastened into the vehicle.
No other information has been released at this time. Authorities are still investigating this tragic accident. They do not believe that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash but suspect that Lemana fell asleep at the wheel instead.
Catastrophic Injuries in California
We would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. We wish a speedy recovery for any of the injured parties. We know what a difficult time this must be for all of you.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on drowsy driving states that in 2013 approximately 72,000 accidents occurred as a result of fatigued drivers on the road. Of those accidents, 44,000 injuries and 6,000 deaths occurred. Drowsy driving is a serious problem with potentially fatal consequences that could negatively alter your life and the lives of other people forever. If you are feeling drowsy while you are behind the wheel, it is recommended that you find a safe, well-lit parking lot and pull over. Lock your doors and take time to let your body get the rest that it needs. It is far more important that you arrive at your destination alive than it is that you arrive on time.
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel then you may be legally entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and your pain and suffering. A sleep-deprived driver qualifies as a reckless driver and has the same cognitive ability as a driver who is legally intoxicated. Don’t let their mistake have any more of a negative impact on your life than it already has. Reach out to the attorneys at Los Angeles Injury Group for a free legal consultation regarding your accident by calling (310) 954-7248 as soon as possible.
