There are many distractions for the modern driver. In addition to radios and small children, there are now cell phones and other electronic devices. Even without these distractions, even a small moment of inattention could cause devastating car accidents. For example, a recent accident in California has taken one life and sent several others to the hospital.
The accident occurred around 6 p.m., during heavy traffic as a result of rush hour, in an evening in early August. Reports indicate that a 52-year-old man driving a van momentarily looked to his right, and when his attention returned to the roadway in front of his vehicle, he discovered that traffic had stopped. Unfortunately, he was allegedly unable to stop in time and slammed into the back of a sedan driven by the 34-year-old victim.
The force of the collision pushed the victim’s vehicle into the back of the vehicle in front of him and, ultimately, involved several other vehicles. The man, who was initially trapped in his vehicle, was transported to an area hospital for treatment where he later died. Three other people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The fatal accident is still being investigated by the California Highway Patrol.
Car accidents such as this one in California often have further reaching implications than physical injuries. For example, the family of the deceased man may face financial difficulties as a result of lost wages, funeral expenses and medical bills. A verdict in their favor in a civil court could help with these expenses. In many personal injury or wrongful death cases, plaintiffs have been awarded monetary damages to help offset the expenses created by such accidents.
Source: The Orange County Register, “Driver killed in multi-vehicle crash on I-405“, Salvador Hernandez, Aug. 7, 2014