Delano, CA — According to KSEE, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic death of a 22-year-old Porterville corrections officer, Arturo Luis Garcia, in a multi-vehicle crash that injured three others on Highway 65, south of Sherwood Avenue, on May 29, 2024.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that officers responded to the scene at approximately 6:22 PM on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Preliminary investigations revealed that Garcia, driving a Toyota, was traveling northbound on Highway 65 in the southbound lanes in an attempt to pass traffic when he collided with an oncoming vehicle.
The collision resulted in a devastating multi-vehicle crash east of Delano on Highway 65, near Highway 166. Other vehicles involved include a Dodge driven by a 50-year-old Bakersfield man and a Chevrolet driven by a 29-year-old Porterville man. Both of the other drivers were injured in the collision, as was Garcia’s passenger, an 18-year-old Porterville woman.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed Garcia’s identity on May 30, 2024. Garcia, who began his career as a corrections officer in November 2023, had been stationed at Salinas Valley State Prison since March 2024.
In their statement, the CDCR expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to Garcia’s family, urging the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The statement read, “Please join me in extending our condolences to the Garcia family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral expenses, describing Garcia as “a loving brother, grandson, and an amazing son.” The community’s outpouring of support reflects the deep impact of his loss.
Wrongful Death Claims
While no amount of money can bring back those who lose their lives in a vehicular fatality, the emotional burden of their loss is often accompanied by a financial burden that falls on their surviving family members.
A wrongful death claim filed with the insurance provider of parties who bear even partial liability can provide compensation to help cover medical expenses, burial costs, and even the loss of support for dependents of the deceased.
However, because insurance companies carry the incentive to reduce the payout for any claim they cannot deny, the services of a skilled personal injury attorney can prove crucial in securing justice for the deceased.
Personal Injury Claims
Establishing fault in a collision can depend on various factors, and the state of California allows for partial liability to be allocated to multiple parties. Helping to determine legal liability is one of the ways that a personal injury attorney can help victims as they are recovering from a traffic accident.
Suppose it is determined that the actions of another party contributed to their injuries. In that case, victims may be eligible to file a personal injury claim with the insurance provider of those at fault. A personal injury claim can provide compensation to help cover hospital fees, burial costs, and the loss of income due to time taken off work for recovery.
