One of the most critical tasks for drivers is keeping their cars in control at all times. If they lose control, an accident will almost inevitably happen. This is what occurred in a recent California car accident. The case is drawing substantial attention because the driver accused of being at fault is the brother of a famous actress.
The driver, 40, is Sami Hayek. He is the brother of successful actress and producer, Salma Hayek, whose credits include the long running hit series “Ugly Betty.” She has not commented publicly on the case.
The driver has other celebrity connections as well. After attending a design company, he opened a business that imports products made by Mexican artisans, including high-end furniture and other objects. His clients include his sister, her luxury goods mogul husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, and Brad Pitt.
In this accident, the driver was heading through Holby Hills in his 2006 Ford GT, heading eastbound on Sunset Boulevard. Just before 5 p.m., he lost control of his vehicle. When that happened, he veered in front of a Toyota Tacoma truck that had been traveling westbound, according to a statement by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The passenger in his car, 43, suffered substantial blunt force trauma. This happened after the passenger side of the driver’s car took the majority of the impact of the crash. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The man who was driving the truck, 20, suffered a broken foot and experienced substantial body pain.
In this case, the driver has not been arrested yet. In other car accident cases involving personal injuries, arrests may be made at the scene. However, an arrest, charges and a conviction are not required for a victim or their family to file a civil action for personal injury. Claims may include those for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.
Source: NY Daily News, “Salma Hayek’s younger brother involved in fatal car accident that kills male passenger” Nancy Dillon, Feb. 24, 2014