San Joaquin County, CA — A tragic accident in Manteca claimed the lives of at least four individuals on Saturday night, April 13, 2024, according to FOX40. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has stated that the crash involved a 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan carrying seven occupants.
The incident occurred around 10:07 PM on Highway 120, west of Highway 99. Investigations indicate the minivan was traveling between 60 and 65 mph when the driver lost control of the Toyota for reasons yet to be determined, although the CHP noted that the road was damp due to earlier rainy weather.
The minivan veered off the freeway, entered the dirt and grass median between the eastbound and westbound lanes, and then became airborne. It struck the Van Ryn Avenue overpass, overturned, and caught fire.
Bystanders heroically rescued four children from the minivan, including an infant and three others aged between six and 14. Sadly, four occupants lost their lives in the crash, and one 6-year-old girl sustained major injuries and was taken to UC Davis Medical Center.
CHP is investigating the incident, including the possibility of drugs or alcohol influencing the driver’s actions. However, details regarding any substances involved have not been disclosed at this time.
Wrongful Death Claims
No amount of money can bring back those we lose to a vehicular fatality, and when that loss is the death of a child, it becomes even more difficult to bear. The sudden unexpected expenses of medical bills, burial costs, and sometimes loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can add financial insult to the emotional injury.
This is where a knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate personal injury attorney can assist a grieving family by first working to gather evidence which can establish fault and then filing a Wrongful Death Claim with the party or parties who bear responsibility for their loved one’s death.
Readers should be aware that investigations can sometimes reveal that some portion of responsibility for a solo-vehicle crash may be attributed to someone other than the driver, for instance the reckless behavior of other drivers in the vicinity or unsafe roadways, for which local government is responsible.
The insurance that drivers carry also covers passengers within their vehicle. While it may be emotionally challenging to file a Wrongful Death Claim with someone who may have known the victim personally or even have been related to them, that is something a good personal injury attorney can help navigate.
