Monterey County, CA – According to KSBW, on Friday, May 10, 2024, a tragic accident on Highway 68 claimed the lives of two individuals identified by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office as Pascasio Contreras-Dominguez, 64, and Bridget Peterson, 52, both residents of Salinas.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the incident occurred at approximately 4:44 PM on Highway 68 at Spreckels Boulevard. CHP investigations revealed that a gray Mazda CX9 was traveling east on Highway 68, just west of Spreckels Boulevard, at an unspecified speed. For reasons unknown, the Mazda veered left onto the grass median and collided with a sign.
Following this initial impact, the Mazda crossed into the westbound lanes and collided head-on with a white Honda CRV that was traveling west in the number two lane, as detailed by CHP officials. There were no passengers in either vehicle at the time of the collision.
Contreras-Dominguez, identified as the Mazda’s driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. Peterson, the driver of the white Honda CRV, was transported to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries later on.
In the aftermath of the crash, the westbound number 2 lane was closed for several hours on Friday evening to facilitate the investigation and cleanup efforts. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by CHP, and it is yet to be determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the tragic collision.
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.
