Drivers in Santa Clara County may not realize the hazards that rural intersections carry. When a stop sign right-of-way is followed, everyone takes their turn and traffic continues on safely. Unfortunately, careless or reckless drivers can fail to make a stop at all and place any other motorists nearby at risk.
One of the most irresponsible ways to exhibit recklessness is for someone to get behind the wheel while intoxicated by a drug or alcohol. This inexcusable decision leaves passengers in the impaired driver’s car and those in other vehicles at risk of devastating injuries and worse.
Collision in San Martin Claims One life and Injures Four
A driver in a pick-up truck was tragically killed after another driver ran a stop sign in San Martin over the weekend. The Morgan Hill Times reports the accident occurred Sunday afternoon just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Center Avenue and East Middle Avenue on May 15, 2022.
The California Highway Patrol says that a 69-year-old man from San Martin was at the wheel of a Ford F150 when the driver of a Chevy Malibu ran a stop sign and struck the truck. The driver of the Ford died from injuries. Two other people in the truck were injured and rushed to the hospital.
The 20-year-old man from San Jose driving the car and a passenger were also taken to a local hospital. Investigators believe the car’s driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
Support for the Victims of San Martin DUI Accidents
Santa Clara County Families who have lost a loved one in a devastating accident can be unfairly subjected to financial hardships soon after a collision. The bills for a burial and emergency services can come due in just a few weeks. The mourning family might also be left without the income a family member had always provided a spouse, children, and grandchildren.
A wrongful death claim may be filed by the family to protect themselves from these losses and more in the wake of a terrible accident.
For surviving victims, a claim for damages is the best way to ensure every cost of recovery is covered. This civil claim seeks to earn money to pay all medical expenses and can also be counted on to support victims as they remain out of work and miss valuable paychecks.
When a DUI suspect is found at fault in an accident, the suspect will likely face a criminal trial. Victims and their families aren’t required to wait on this trial to move their accident claim forward against the driver’s car insurance provider. A civil claim for damages may proceed no matter where the criminal investigation and trial stand.
Contact a San Martin Traffic Accident Lawyer
Injured victims and the families of victims can’t be expected to know what their accident claims are worth and insurance companies often take advantage of this fact. They can work to talk victims and their families out of filing a claim. Insurance adjusters may also attempt to provide far less in compensation than those affected will need to rebuild their lives.
After you or a loved one has become the victim of a careless driver, reach out to a Santa Clara County Car Accident Lawyer for a free consultation on your best options and to learn about your rights.
