Tulare County, CA – Two people lost their lives following a three-car collision early Monday morning, September 16, 2024, according to KSEE.
The crash occurred just after midnight on Highway 43 near Avenue 56, a rural stretch of road near Visalia, east of Alpaugh in Tulare County.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that a Dodge Charger was traveling northbound on Highway 43 when, for unknown reasons, it veered left into oncoming traffic. At the same time, a GMC Canyon was heading southbound with a BMW 328I following close behind. The driver of the GMC swerved right to avoid the Dodge, but the two vehicles clipped each other, causing the GMC to veer off the road and onto the dirt shoulder.
After the initial impact, the Dodge continued north in the wrong lane, colliding head-on with the BMW. Both vehicles were left severely damaged, coming to a rest on the west dirt shoulder of Highway 43.
Tragically, the 21-year-old male driver of the Dodge from Avenal and the 60-year-old male driver of the BMW from McFarland were both pronounced dead at the scene. Their passengers sustained major injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital. The driver of the GMC suffered minor injuries.
CHP officers say it appears all individuals involved were wearing seatbelts, though it is still unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek answers about what led to the deadly collision.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling.
Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses. However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve.
This is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential so that they can fight to make sure you receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
Comparative Negligence
California Law upholds the concept of Comparative Negligence, which allows more than one party to share blame in a personal injury accident. Injured victims may have their compensation reduced if they are found partially to blame.
