San Joaquin County, CA — According to ABC10, on Highway 12 in San Joaquin County, Tuesday afternoon, May 28, 2024, a multi-vehicle accident resulted in one death.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the crash at approximately 4:10 PM on Highway 12, just west of Guard Road. The collision involved a Volkswagen Passat and a Honda Accord traveling in opposite directions. The accident occurred when the Volkswagen unexpectedly veered over the double yellow lines into the oncoming lane, colliding head-on with the Honda. The reason for the Volkswagen’s sudden maneuver remains unclear.
In the aftermath of the initial collision, a Toyota Prius also became involved in the accident. The Prius crashed into the already impacted vehicles, with the Honda and Volkswagen remaining on the roadway, while the Toyota continued its path, ultimately coming to rest in a ditch.
The driver of the Volkswagen sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Honda driver suffered major injuries, though they are not considered life-threatening. The Prius driver sustained only minor injuries.
CHP confirmed that all drivers involved in the accident were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision. However, it has not yet been determined whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the tragic incident.
Wrongful Death Claims
Establishing fault in a collision can depend on multiple factors. Helping to determine legal liability is one of the ways that a personal injury attorney can help grieving families recovering from the loss of a loved one in a traffic accident.
Suppose it is determined that another party holds some portion of responsibility for their loved one’s death. In that case, they may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. A wrongful death claim can provide compensation to help cover hospital fees, burial costs, and the loss of support for dependents of the deceased.
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers lead to injuries for others, the cost of caring for those injuries should not fall upon their victims. Filing a claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver can offer compensation to help cover medical bills and time taken off of work to recover from injuries.
However, insurance companies always have it in their interests to deny or minimize all claims they receive, which is why the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make all the difference.