Early this week, a 48-year-old woman was killed in a Santa Cruz car accident when another driver entered opposing lanes of traffic, according to The San Jose Mercury News. The victim’s car was totaled and she was declared dead at the scene. The 28-year-old wrong-way driver, who was not injured, told officers that the crash was deliberate.
The victim, driving a 1999 Chrysler Concorde, was southbound on Highway 17 when a wrong-way driver in an Acura SUV hit her, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP). Witnesses told authorities that the wrong-way driver moved into opposing lanes of traffic and the driver himself admitted to authorities that he intentionally caused the accident.
A CHP officer has stated that the wrong-way driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident and that both he and the victim were wearing seatbelts and both vehicles’ airbags deployed. Unfortunately, these safety measures did not help the fatal victim. The wrong-way driver was arrested on suspicion of homicide, driving the wrong way on a divided highway, felony assault with a deadly weapon, and felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and is being held in county jail.
Someone who is criminally liable for their actions may also be held civilly liable as well. The family of someone killed in a car crash or other accident in Santa Cruz can hold the at-fault parties accountable for losses such as funeral costs, lost future wages, and loss of companionship by filing a wrongful death claim. Consulting with an experienced Santa Cruz wrongful death lawyer can ensure that this is done properly.
At Van Der Walde & Associates, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys can provide your family with legal recourse for the loss of your loved one. Our firm is dedicated to helping families through the financial and emotional hardships created by such a traumatic situation. To find out more about how we can help you during this difficult time, please call us for a consultation at 877-862-6288.
