San Joaquin County, CA – A 21-year-old woman, who was six months pregnant, lost her life on Saturday morning after a vehicle she was riding in veered off Highway 4 and sank in a body of water, according to CBS13.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident occurred around 5:15 AM near Whiskey Slough Road, about 20 minutes west of Stockton.
According to CHP, a 27-year-old man was driving a 2008 Honda Fit westbound on the highway when he lost control of the vehicle. Witnesses reported that the car was driving recklessly, exceeding the speed limit, and crossing double yellow lines at approximately 65 miles per hour just before the crash. The vehicle went off the road and into the water, which ranges from 2 to 20 feet deep and is often covered with water hyacinth, making visibility difficult.
While the driver managed to escape and reach the shore, he was unable to locate his wife. After making his way to safety, he flagged down passing motorists for help. Rescue teams, including a helicopter and a boating unit from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, responded quickly to the scene. Initially, responders struggled to locate the submerged vehicle due to the challenging conditions.
Divers from a specialized team were eventually able to pinpoint the car’s location, which was approximately five feet below the surface. After cutting through the thick hyacinth, rescuers accessed the vehicle. Unfortunately, they discovered the woman inside, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
CHP has confirmed that neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the crash, and they continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the tragic accident. Portions of Highway 4 were temporarily closed during the rescue operation, but the roadway has since reopened.
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.
