A man died in a motor vehicle crash in California after the car he was riding in struck another vehicle. The man driving him also suffered injuries in the apparent wrong-way crash. The California Highway Patrol believes the driver was under the influence. He was arrested in connection with the two-car wreck.
Events leading up to the car accident
The recent California accident took place at about 12:25 a.m. on a Saturday along Highway 180. According to authorities, a man, 30, was driving east in the highway’s westbound lanes. He then reportedly attempted to change his direction by making a U-turn but ended up striking another car.
Police said the male passenger in the first car died at the crash scene. Meanwhile, the first car’s driver suffered major injuries and was taken to a medical center, where his injuries were not deemed life-threatening. He was later charged with DUI-related felony manslaughter. The driver and passenger in the second vehicle told first responders they would seek medical attention on their own following the accident.
How an attorney can help
The surviving loved ones of the deceased victim may choose to file a wrongful death claim in a California civil court against the accused driver, seeking the reimbursement of monetary damages sustained as a result of the accident. If the driver is convicted on the DUI charge, proof of the conviction may be presented in a related civil court proceeding with the goal of establishing liability per se in the accident. A successfully litigated claim may lead to a damage award to cover accident-related losses such as the deceased victim’s funeral costs and the loss of support for his surviving loved ones.