Drivers in California and across the country likely encounter a number of traffic signs and lights as they drive from one place to another. Because of the frequency of these encounters, it may become easy to overlook their importance. Unfortunately, failure to obey stop signs, for example, can result in serious car accidents. One man was recently killed in an accident that police claim resulted from such a failure.
The accident happened just after noon. The California Highway Patrol claims that the driver of a sports utility vehicle did not stop at a stop sign. As a result, the vehicle reportedly struck a van containing seven occupants. Reports indicate the collision caused the driver of the van to lose control and strike a second van.
No one in the second van was hurt. However, one man in the first van died as a result of the accident. The other six occupants were transferred to the hospital for treatment of a variety of different injuries, including one female who was is in critical condition and required transport by helicopter. The driver of the first vehicle also required hospital treatment. It is unclear at this time if charges are expected to be filed as a result of the accident.
While a conviction with regard to criminal charges would help the victims — including the family members of the deceased man — prove negligence in a California civil court, a conviction is not the only piece of evidence that could show that the driver should be held liable. Many victims of car accidents have pursued such recourse. Because a car accident can cause significant financial harm as a result of medical bills, funeral expenses and lost wages, a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit may help victims who are suffering cope with the costs of another’s negligence.
Source: fox40.com, “One Dead, Multiple Injuries After Car Accident in Sacramento“, Kristopher Hooks and Joe Khalil, Aug. 23, 2015