Relatives of family killed in SF West Portal crash file lawsuit against driver for moving assets

A lawsuit has been initiated against Mary Fong Lau, an 80-year-old driver accused of transferring assets to evade a wrongful death lawsuit after a crash that killed a San Francisco family. The plaintiffs allege that Lau intentionally moved three properties out of her trust to protect them from financial repercussions. Lau's attorney, Seth Morris, confirmed the transfers occurred but asserted they were not intended to avoid responsibility. In July 2024, Lau was charged with four counts of felony vehicular manslaughter, with the DA asserting that the vehicle showed no mechanical failure. Victims' attorney Jim Quadra condemned Lau's actions as an effort to delay justice.

The civil lawsuit has been paused until the criminal case concludes, highlighting the legal complexities involved. UC Law professor David Levine stated that if the family's claims are accurate, Lau's asset transfers would be illegal. This case underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding accountability in vehicular homicides.