Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol cause many accidents throughout California each year. Sadly, some of these crashes severely injure or kill otherwise innocent motorists and their passengers. In all cases, the tragedy could have been prevented were it not for the reckless decisions of the other driver. Such was the case in a terrible vehicle accident that happened recently in Richvale.
Accident details
The crash occurred in the early afternoon of Monday, Sept. 5. A 37-year-old man was driving on Highway 99 in a 2007 Chevy pickup. As he approached the intersection of State Route 162, he failed to stop at a red light and slammed into the side of a 2011 Kia. The collision pushed the Kia into two other cars waiting at the red light.
Inside the Kia was the driver, a 75-year-old man, a child of unreported age and a woman, 77. The woman lost her life in the collision, and the man and child reportedly suffered major injuries. The driver of the Chevy also apparently suffered serious injuries as well as a minor child he had in the pickup with him. Officers with the California Highway Patrol responded, and they suspect the pickup driver of being under the influence of drugs. No word was given as to whether any others were injured.
Seeking compensation
The injured man and the family of the child may seek compensation for their injuries arising from this crash. Likewise, the surviving family of the deceased woman may seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim against the Chevy driver. In order to obtain a full explanation of their rights and options and increase their chances of getting the maximum amount of compensation possible, affected parties will want to work closely with an experienced personal injury attorney in California.