Bodies of Three Teens Found in Mangled Car at the Bottom of Ravine

Automobile accidents account for more than one in three deaths among teens 16- to 19-years-of-age, often as a result of lack of experience, speeding, and distractions. A speeding driver, especially an inexperienced one, is less able to negotiate a dangerous turn or curve in the road. They tend to underestimate the accident risk in dangerous situations and overestimate their capacity to deal with the threat. It is relatively easy to lose control and collide with another vehicle or an obstacle, or to careen off the roadway. Serious injuries and fatalities are a likely outcome.

Three teens who planned to go hiking in the Angeles National Forest were found in a mangled Toyota Tundra at the bottom of a deep ravine. Authorities are still investigating, but speed appears to be a factor in the crash.

The teens told family members of their plans for the day, but when the teens failed to return home, their families reported them missing. Later that day, Fontana police received a report of fresh skid marks on Angeles Crest Highway, near mile marker 40. The pick-up truck was spotted by a LA County Sheriff helicopter. Authorities said the area where the truck left the roadway is one of the steepest drops along the entire Angeles Crest Highway. The skid marks appear to show that the vehicle was rounding a curve when the driver hit the brakes hard and went over the edge, according to the California Highway Patrol. The investigations will undoubtedly look into driver negligence, as well as whether the roadway was knowingly dangerous.

Let this deadly accident serve as a reminder of the perils of teen driving. We should not accept these deaths as something that cannot be prevented. As a parent, it is important to talk to your teen. Set and enforce rules that reiterate the importance of responsible driving.

• No speeding.
• Follow road signs.
• Drive defensively.
• Always buckle up! Make sure everyone is buckled up before starting the car.
• Avoid distractions of any kind – texting or talking on the phone, loud music, passengers, etc.
• No alcohol or drugs. Explain the consequences of being caught with alcohol or drugs.

Remind your teen that driving is a privilege—not to be taken lightly or for granted.

About Lawsuit Financial

Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation.