Salinas, CA — On Saturday, July 20, 2024, a multi-vehicle collision resulted in a pedestrian injury, a pedestrian fatality, and the arrest of 24-year-old Salinas man Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr. on suspicion of DUI, as reported by KSBW.
The crash, which involved four vehicles, took place on the southbound side of Highway 101, just south of Laurel Drive. It was first reported at 1:07 PM.
According to the CHP, a 77-year-old man from Salinas was changing the tire of a silver Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck on the highway’s right shoulder. A maroon Nissan Altima was parked ahead of the pickup truck, and a 38-year-old Salinas woman was standing nearby.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr. from Salinas was driving a black 2005 Acura TL in the number 2 lane. As Sanchez approached the scene, he veered off the road, sideswiping the woman standing near the pickup truck. The Acura continued south and struck the man changing his tire before crashing into the pickup truck.
The impact pushed the pickup truck into the rear of the Nissan Altima, causing the pickup to overturn onto its right side. The Acura then spun out and collided with a white 2003 Honda Pilot, driven by a 29-year-old man from Soledad. Although there were at least two children in the Honda Pilot, they fortunately escaped without injuries.
The man changing the tire succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His identity will be disclosed once his next of kin have been notified. The woman who was sideswiped suffered severe abdominal contusions and was transported to Natividad Medical Center for major injuries.
Sanchez Jr. sustained moderate injuries from the crash and was also taken to Natividad Medical Center for treatment. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Wrongful Death Claims
Whether or not a collision results in criminal charges for any 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 needed to support the deceased’s dependents.
Insurance companies will work to reduce any claim they cannot deny. This is where the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney proves invaluable, negotiating on behalf of victims and their families to ensure they receive proper compensation.
