Speed Likely A Factor In Crash That Killed Actor

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, January 9, 2014.

Our readers may remember that Paul William Walker, the actor who played Brian O’Connor in “The Fast and the Furious,” was killed last November in a car crash in downtown Los Angeles. Walker, who reportedly had ties to Lubbock, was not driving the car at the time of the crash, but was the passenger of his friend and financial adviser Roger Rodas.

According to a recent report by investigators, the Porsche carrying the two men may have been going 100 miles per hour or faster before it went out of control, struck a tree and a light pole and then burst into flames. The men apparently died from a combination of injuries sustained in the crash, as well as severe burns from the fire.

It isn’t known exactly why the driver lost control of the vehicle, but drugs and alcohol have been ruled out. Speed was likely a factor. Rodas and Walker reportedly co-owned an auto racing team, and the former was a professional driver. At the time, Walker was apparently on a break from shooting “Fast & Furious 7.”

Sources didn’t mention any impending civil litigation over the crash. It is conceivable that Walker’s family could file a wrongful death suit against the estate of Roger Rodas, who was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash. Such suits do occur. When pursuing wrongful death litigation, though, it is important for families to work with an experienced attorney who understands how to build an effective case that yields the best possible recovery of damages.

Source: El Paso Inc., “Car in Walker crash may have been going 100 mph,” Andrew Medichini, January 6, 2013.