It goes without saying that people do not get behind the wheel of a car with the intention of causing an accident that injures or kills another person. However, humans can make mistakes that result in these types of tragedies. Our Santa Rosa readers will be sad to hear about a car accident in Fresno that killed a mother and her four children.

The accident happened on Feb. 15. A 41-year-old woman driving a minivan ran a stop sign and collided with an SUV driven by a 29-year-old woman. There were also four children in the SUV, aged 1, 3, 6 and 11.

The collision sent the SUV across the intersection. The vehicle then burst into the flames, with the mother and children still inside. All five were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to authorities, the father was following behind the SUV in another car. The father of the children was burned as he tried to free them from the engulfed vehicle. The man did not witness the accident, but came to the scene moments after the accident happened.

Authorities stated that neither vehicle seemed to be speeding when the accident occurred. They also do not suspect the woman driving the minivan was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The accident is still under investigation and it has not been determined whether charges will be filed.

Whether or not the woman faces criminal charges for the accident, she could still be held financially responsible for it. The surviving family members would be within their rights to seek compensation for expenses related to the accident, as well as pain and suffering and loss of companionship. An experienced legal professional could detail what rights the family might have if they choose to seek financial relief.

Source: Chicago Tribune, “Mother, four children killed in fiery car crash in California” Victoria Cavaliere, Feb. 16, 2014