Olivehurst, CA — A devastating collision on Monday morning, September 2, 2024, claimed the life of 47-year-old Francisca Monzono of Elverta, according to KCRA.
The crash occurred around 5:30 AM on Highway 70 near the McGowan Parkway off-ramp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the incident was caused by a wrong-way driver, identified as 19-year-old Alannah Eastern of Elk Grove.
Eastern was reportedly driving a white Buick sedan northbound on the southbound off-ramp, leading her directly into the path of oncoming traffic on Highway 70. Moments later, her vehicle collided head-on with a silver Toyota SUV driven by Monzono.
The impact of the crash was catastrophic. Monzono, who was heading southbound, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger, whose identity has not been released, suffered major injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Eastern, who was also seriously injured in the collision, was airlifted to a hospital. CHP officers later determined that she was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. She now faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony DUI causing injury.
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.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
