Drivers are always responsible for traveling at speeds safe for conditions. That can be different from the posted speed limit and it changes as unexpected hazards appear in the roadway. Motorists must always be on high alert to spot disabled cars and allow themselves time to slow down to avoid collisions.

One traffic incident becomes much more dangerous when careless drivers approaching the scene create a chain-reaction collision and put cars and occupants at risk of multiple collisions.

One Killed and Five Injured in Monterey County Hwy 101 Collision

A stalled car was involved in a multi-vehicle accident over the weekend in Monterey County. KION-TV reports the accident occurred along Highway 101 near State Route 156 early Sunday morning on August 28, 2022.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the accident, north of Prunedale, sometime after 1:54 a.m. They determined that a 2002 Lexus had stalled in the southbound lanes and that the driver and a passenger had gotten out to attempt to push it off the roadway. A Dodge Ram Truck traveling south came upon the scene and hit the car, leaving the Lexus driver down in the lanes.

An on-duty Monterey County Sheriff’s Officer then approached the scene and struck the driver of the Lexus lying in the road. The driver of the Lexus tragically died on the scene. He was a 22-year-old from San Martin.

Two other passengers in the Lexus were also injured. They were taken to a nearby hospital. One suffered from minor injuries, the other suffered from major injuries.

The two people in the Dodge pickup also went to the hospital with what were thought to be minor injuries. The deputy involved also reported minor injuries.

CHP Officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Support for Victims and Families After a Monterey County Accident

Victims of frightening chain-reaction collisions must often deal with long and difficult recoveries. And families who have lost a loved one will, of course, never completely get over the grief of such a heartbreaking tragedy.

The families of lost loved ones may file a wrongful death claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance company. This civil claim would seek help for the family with the costs of a funeral and emergency services fees. A claim also asks for assistance with the loss of income the deceased had always provided the family through employment.

For surviving victims, a claim for damages can prove the best option when trying to get every hospital bill covered. A settlement check would also need to reimburse victims for the wages and benefits they lose while missing work. The physical pain and emotional trauma experienced after a frightening accident should also earn compensation.

Contact a Monterey County and Santa Clara County Lawyer

After you or a loved one has been the victim of a serious accident, please discuss your case with a car accident lawyer serving Monterey County and Santa Clara County. Don’t allow an insurance company to tell you what you should earn in a car accident settlement.

To make sure your family is protected from the unfair practices of car insurance providers, contact an experienced local lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free case consultation. Mr. Gasparian works closely with victims and their families to earn them the compensation they’ll need to rebuild their lives.