Coalinga, CA — According to KSEE, a tragic crash on Interstate 5 near the Coalinga-Avenal Rest Area on Thursday, August 22, 2024, left two injured and claimed the life of a one-year-old boy identified as Amante Williams of Sacramento. He was just days away from his second birthday.
The incident occurred around 5:14 AM as a 28-year-old woman, also from Sacramento, was driving a 2022 Kia Forte southbound on Interstate 5.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver was nearing the off-ramp for the Coalinga-Avenal Rest Area when she attempted to exit the freeway. The off-ramp curves sharply to the right, but instead of following the curve, the vehicle continued straight, veering off the road and crashing into a dirt shoulder and then into a tree.
CHP officials reported that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The woman, who sustained major injuries in the crash, was transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. A three-year-old boy who was also in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to the same hospital for treatment.
One good Samaritan stopped to render aid and performed CPR on little Amante until emergency responders arrived. Despite their best efforts, the child succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital, passing away at approximately 5:45 AM.
CHP officers are continuing to investigate the crash. They have stated that neither drugs or alcohol appear to have been factors in the incident. The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver was traveling at approximately 58-60 MPH before the vehicle left the roadway.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions
In certain situations, investigations may uncover that some liability for a single-vehicle collision falls on other drivers nearby or even on unsafe roadway structures. Sorting through these details to help victims and their families secure proper compensation is one of the key services a personal injury attorney offers.
After establishing liability, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Insurance companies invariably aim to minimize payouts for claims they cannot deny, making legal representation crucial for obtaining fair compensation.
Passenger Liability
The liability insurance that drivers carry covers accidental harm caused not only to those outside the vehicle but also to passengers within it. While making a Wrongful Death or personal injury claim against someone who knew the victim 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.
