Experience and maturity play a significant role in the prevention of car crashes that could lead to serious injuries, or worse. The number of single-vehicle accidents that occur in California in which young adults were drivers underscores the dangers posed by inexperience. Lives can be turned upside down in an instant — with innocent passengers suffering personal injury and sometimes losing their lives.
The cause of a recent accident on Highway 121 in Napa County is still under investigation. According to the California Highway Patrol, a 23-year-old driver and a 25-year-old passenger were both students at the Davis campus of the University of California. Officer say they were southbound on the highway early on a recent Wednesday morning. Apparently, the driver lost control of the vehicle as he tried to navigate a set of sharp curves on the road.
Reportedly, the car left the roadway, and after striking two trees, it rolled over onto its roof. Emergency responders from the Napa County Fire Department rushed to assist but could not save the life of the passenger, who died at the crash scene. Authorities say the driver was transported to a local medical center with moderate injuries.
Whenever a life is lost in such a manner, the surviving family members of the deceased passenger may pursue recovery of damages. A California personal injury lawyer can provide valuable support and guidance throughout a wrongful death lawsuit. After establishing negligence and documenting financial losses before a civil court, a monetary judgment to cover economic and non-economic damages may be awarded.
Source: Davis, CA Patch, “UC Davis Student Identified In Fatal Napa County Crash“, Jan. 25, 2018