There are many distractions for today’s driver. For many people, simply having other people in the car can cause them to lose focus, resulting in a dangerous car accident. Unfortunately, many car accidents are the result of only the slightest moment of distraction. One California accident recently resulted in the death of a teenager.
The accident happened one night in mid-November. Police report that a 19-year-old driver allowed the car he was driving to drift into oncoming traffic. As a result, the car struck a second vehicle driven by a 23-year-old woman head-on.
A 19-year-old passenger in the first vehicle died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the accident. Both drivers were transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Two 18-year-old passengers in the first vehicle also suffered minor injuries. Although the accident likely remains under investigation, police say that drugs or alcohol is not suspected as a contributing factor at this time. It is unclear if criminal charges are expected.
Unfortunately, one family is coping with the death of their young loved one while several other people will have to deal with the costs associated with medical treatment. Fortunately, those injured — as well as the family of the deceased victim — as a result of the suspected negligence of the first driver have options to seek relief from the financial burden created by the accident. Many victims of car accidents have argued their case in a California civil court. Some of those who could prove negligence were awarded a judgment for monetary damages to cover financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses.
Source: fresnobee.com, “1 killed in head-on crash on Highway 41 in southern Fresno County”, Nadia Pearl, Nov. 15, 2014