Santa Cruz County, CA — A devastating head-on collision on Freedom Boulevard claimed the life of a young Santa Cruz man identified as 23-year-old Luke Thomas Salem on Saturday morning, August 17, 2024, according to KSBW.
The accident was reported at approximately 7:35 AM on Freedom Boulevard, just east of McDonald Road. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision involved a red 2017 Honda CRV heading eastbound and a 1966 Chrysler Newport traveling westbound, driven by Salem. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Salem was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda, a 49-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
As of now, it remains unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. The CHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Wrongful Death Claims
While no amount of money can bring back loved ones lost in a vehicular fatality, the emotional toll of such a loss is often compounded by the financial burden that falls on surviving family members.
Filing a Wrongful Death claim with the insurance provider of those who bear even partial liability can provide compensation to help cover medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of support for the deceased’s dependents.
Insurance companies have a vested interest in minimizing the payouts for claims. Therefore, the expertise of a skilled personal injury attorney is crucial in securing fair compensation and justice for the deceased.
