Watsonville, CA – According to KSBW, 44-year-old Robert Daley of Watsonville lost his life in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 1 late Sunday night, October 13, 2024.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the incident around 11:50 PM on the southbound side of the highway, just north of Buena Vista Drive.
Daley was operating a 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the road and collided with a dirt embankment. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, and Daley was ejected from the SUV.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found Daley with major injuries. Sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed his identity.
CHP officials have stated that alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the crash, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
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.
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.
