Templeton, CA – Early Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024, a head-on collision on Highway 46 near the intersection with Highway 41 resulted in the deaths of two individuals, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash occurred just after midnight, about four miles east of the Cholame “Y.”
A 2020 Hyundai, driven by an unidentified individual, was traveling westbound on Highway 46 East at approximately 55 mph. The vehicle was behind a tractor-trailer when the driver decided to overtake the big rig. Upon entering the eastbound lane to pass, the Hyundai collided head-on with a 2005 Ford F350 driven by Grant McKenzie of San Diego.
McKenzie sustained major injuries and was transported to Adventist Health Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo. Unfortunately, the driver and the passenger in the Hyundai were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.
CHP officials stated that impairment is not suspected to have played a role in the collision.
Wrongful Death Claims
Establishing fault in a collision can depend on multiple factors. One crucial way a personal injury attorney can assist grieving families is by determining legal liability after the loss of a loved one in a traffic accident.
If another party is found to hold some responsibility for the death, the family may be eligible to file a Wrongful Death claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. This claim can provide compensation to help cover hospital fees, burial costs, and the loss of support for the deceased’s dependents.
Passenger Liability
The liability insurance that drivers carry is designed to cover accidental harm caused not only to those outside the vehicle but also to passengers within it. A driver is responsible for the safety of everyone in their vehicle.
While making a Wrongful Death or personal injury claim against someone who knew the victim personally can be emotionally challenging, the financial burdens following a vehicular accident can be substantial.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help grieving families seek proper compensation for their loss by navigating these complex issues and negotiating on the victim’s behalf with insurance companies, who routinely work to minimize the payout of any claim they cannot deny.