High Meadows, CA – According to KSBW, on Sunday, May 12, 2024, a tragic five-vehicle collision resulted in the death of 44-year-old motorcyclist Ricardo De Orta-Garcia of Seaside.
The incident occurred around 5:52 AM when a 17-year-old male driver was heading northbound on Highway 1, south of Carpenter Street, in a black Ford F-150. For reasons still under investigation, the young driver lost control of the vehicle, crossing into the southbound lanes and crashing into a utility pole on the west side of the road. The impact caused the pole and its wires to fall, obstructing all lanes of traffic.
In the ensuing chaos, four more vehicles, all traveling southbound, collided with the fallen pole and wires. The final vehicle involved was a red and black Honda CBR1000 motorcycle, ridden by 44-year-old Ricardo De Orta-Garcia from Seaside. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The teenage driver of the Ford F-150 was released to his parents following the incident. CHP is conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
Whether or not a crash results in criminal charges for one of those involved, 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.
