A tragic accident in which the life of a 41-year-old woman was taken and a 14-month old boy threatened has resulted in criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. The car and pedestrian accident occurred as the 41-year-old nanny was pushing a stroller in which a 14-month old boy rode. The woman waited to cross at a stoplight until the walk sign illuminated. As the light changed to red, she attempted to cross the street when she and the stroller were struck by a SUV.
The 41-year-old woman sustained multiple and severe injuries. She was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to intervene and save the woman's life and she died as a result of the injuries she suffered after being hit by the SUV.
The 14-month old boy, who was in the stroller at the time of the accident, also sustained numerous injuries including broken bones and a fractured skull. Thankfully, the young boy survived the crash, but it will take months for his small body to fully heal.
The woman who was driving the SUV at the time the accident occurred claimed she was sleep-deprived and failed to see the red light until it was too late. The woman had given birth the day prior to the accident and was returning home after visiting her sister. She currently faces criminal charges related to failing to stop at a red light and yield right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
A civil lawsuit has also been filed on behalf of the 41-year-old woman's two surviving minor children. The lawsuit names both the woman who was driving the SUV as well as her husband. The lawsuit claims the husband was negligent in allowing his sleep-deprived wife, who had just given birth, to operate a motor vehicle.
Source: KNSD, "Nanny's Family Files Suit Against SUV Driver," Monica Garske and Nicole Gonzales, March 23, 2013