California police believe that alcohol might have played a significant role in a fatal car accident that left only one person alive. Both drivers were involved in the wreck were killed. Losing a family member in a car wreck is never easy, financially or emotionally, and often prompts loved ones to pursue wrongful death claims on behalf of the victim.
The victim and his surviving passenger were heading east on Highway 145 when an oncoming vehicle crossed the center line of traffic. With the drivers unable to avoid the wreck, the two vehicles collided head on, leaving a grueling scene behind. Some of the emergency responders noted that the vehicles were so maimed that they were surprised that the passenger had somehow managed to survive. He was taken to an area hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
Authorities are still investigating the wreck and the deceased driver. They believe he was intoxicated at the time. Evidence of empty alcohol containers were recovered from his vehicle, although they have not yet determined his blood-alcohol content. As part of the investigation, police are also looking into the man's activities in the time leading up to the wreck.
The aftermath of drunk driving accidents is often devastating and can be difficult to negotiate. Surviving injury victims have the opportunity to seek compensation for related damages through personal injury claims, but family members of those who have been killed often feel helpless. Although a death in the family is never an easy thing to overcome, California families can focus on grieving and emotional health when the financial burden of an unexpected death is addressed through a successful wrongful death claim.
Source: abc30.com, "2 dead, 1 injured in Madera County suspected DUI crash", Sontaya Rose, March 3, 2016