There are many risks on the road, but one of the most frightening sights any driver can see is an oncoming car suddenly veering into their lane. A head-on crash is well documented as the most deadly type of vehicle collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 10% of all head-on collisions result in a fatality.
Head-on collisions are especially dangerous due to the speeds brought into the impact from opposite directions. The velocity of both vehicles meets at a single point and can double the force involved.
Deadly Head-On Accident in Visalia
Visalia Police were on the scene of a tragic double fatal accident on Monday Night July 6, 2020. Investigators say the driver of a pick-up truck veered off Highway 198 onto Mineral King Avenue and into the path of a Nissan vehicle. A married couple in the Nissan were both killed in the head-on collision. The driver of the truck suffered serious injuries. At this point, police don’t know why the driver of the truck veered into oncoming traffic.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
These accidents are always a sad reminder of the tragedy left behind in the wake of a deadly accident. Family members are suddenly without loved ones and are left to wonder who should be held responsible for the accident and how to best protect those left behind.
California law protects victims’ families in cases like these. Certain family members are permitted to seek damages resulting from the loss of a husband or wife, father or mother, son or daughter.
California’s wrongful death laws are found at the California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 et. seq. The applicable statute designates who might be able to bring a wrongful death claim. The following is a general summary of who might be able to bring a wrongful death claim in California, but it’s certainly not exhaustive:
The decedent’s husband or wife. If there is no surviving husband or wife, the decedent’s children or dependent stepchildren. If there are no children or dependent stepchildren, the decedent’s dependent parents can bring the claim.
If none of the above exist, the case might be brought by the decedent’s surviving parents, and then, any siblings of the decedent.
Contact a Visalia Car Accident Attorney
If you lost a family member to a vehicle accident in Visalia you will want to hire a Visalia personal injury lawyer who is actively involved in the Central Valley community. Martin Gasparian has dedicated his practice to serving the Central Valley area and representing accident victims in and around Visalia.
