Los Olivos, CA – A devastating single-vehicle collision on Highway 101 northwest of Los Olivos claimed the life of 74-year-old Doug Palmer of Santa Maria and left his wife, 76-year-old Kathleen Palmer, seriously injured on Monday, September 30, 2024, according to KEYT.
The accident took place shortly after 12:30 PM when their vehicle veered off the northbound lanes of the highway, plunging 75 feet down a dirt embankment.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the couple’s vehicle overturned as it traveled off the road and came to rest at the bottom of the embankment. Mr. Palmer was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. His wife, Kathleen, was airlifted to Cottage Hospital in critical condition.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. The CHP has asked anyone with information about the incident to reach out to the Buellton office.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. A personal injury attorney plays a critical role in sorting through these details to help victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.
Once liability is determined, the attorney can negotiate with insurance companies, who often try to reduce payouts. That means having legal representation can be vital to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their loss.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death or injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
