Santa Clara County, CA – According to KION46, on the afternoon of Monday, April 29, 2024, one person lost their life in a Santa Clara County collision at the junction of Highway 25 and Bloomfield Avenue.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the collision occurred just outside Gilroy, at approximately 12:45 PM and involved a blue Honda Elantra and a red Freightliner tractor-trailer.
A 48-year-old man was operating the tractor-trailer, traveling northbound on Highway 25 at about 40 miles per hour, nearing Bloomfield Avenue. Meanwhile, a woman was driving a Hyundai Elantra westbound on Bloomfield Avenue, approaching the intersection with Highway 25.
Investigations suggest that in an attempt to turn left onto Highway 25 the Elantra directly collided with the tractor-trailer. Tragically, the impact led to the immediate death of the woman at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries to his left hand. Both were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles.
At this early stage, investigators have yet to determine if drugs or alcohol played a role in causing the crash. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether the driver of the tractor-trailer might face charges, as indicated by a California Highway Patrol spokesperson.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even in cases where criminal charges are not brought to bear, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal collision may be able to file a wrongful death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.
The compensation provided by a wrongful death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income to support any dependents of the deceased.
Insurance companies will work to reduce any claim they cannot deny, which is where the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can prove invaluable by negotiating on behalf of victims and their families to ensure they receive proper compensation.
