Two men who were killed in a Los Angeles car accident have been identified as 21-year-old Ricardo Alcantar, and 20-year-old Matthew Gibbons. The Long Beach Press Telegram reports that the accident occurred the night of December 12, 2009 after the car they were in crashed in a tunnel near the Long Beach Airport. Alcantar and Gibbons were in a small hatchback car going east on Spring Street when it slammed into a tunnel divider splitting the vehicle in two. Both men died at the scene. Officials have not yet determined the cause of this fatal car crash.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved these two young victims – Alcantar and Gibbons. I offer my deepest condolences to their family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2007 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 39 fatalities and 2,212 injuries were reported as a result of Long Beach car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, car accidents claimed 712 lives and injured 56,475 people during the same year.

Possible Causes For The Fatal Car Accident

We do not know based on this news report how or why this fatal car accident occurred or what caused it. It's possible that it was caused by a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction. The wet weather that night may have also caused the car to go out of control. We have not heard whether speed, alcohol or fatigue may have played a part. If I were a member of these victims' family, I'd want to know whether this tragic accident was caused by a dangerous or defective roadway. I'd also want to know whether this smaller car was run off the roadway by another driver or vehicle.

Car Accident Liability Issues

If this car accident was caused as a result of a vehicle defect, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product could be held responsible for the wrongful death of Alcantar and Gibbons. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused or contributed to this fatal car accident, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held liable. According to California Government Code, any claim against a governmental agency in California, must be filed within six months of an accident or injury.

In such cases, victims' families would be well-advised to contact a skilled Long Beach personal injury lawyer, who will keep up with the official investigation, determine if any negligence was involved here, and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. If an auto product defect is suspected, the vehicle should be preserved in its current crashed condition so it can be examined by an accident reconstruction expert for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.