Drivers on California roads must have valid driver’s licenses, comply with the prevailing traffic regulations, and be sober and alert. Noncompliance with any of these regulations can lead to citations, and if accidents result, it could lead to personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. This is probably what will be the consequence of a recent crash on a highway in Petaluma.
Authorities reported that a 19-year-old man recently caused the death of a 67-year-old woman. The man, who apparently operated the vehicle despite failing the California driver’s test last year, allegedly allowed his vehicle to veer across the double yellow lines shortly after 7 a.m. on a recent Tuesday. Authorities say his pickup truck struck seven other vehicles while it traveled along the wrong side of the road, one of which was occupied by the woman who was killed.
The young driver was taken to a hospital where he reportedly told officials he might have dozed off due to a lack of sleep. He said he was up until 1 a.m. and cannot remember crossing into the lanes of oncoming traffic. No mention was made of other injured victims in any of the other vehicles into which he crashed.
Injured victims or families who have lost loved ones in auto crashes that resulted from the negligence of others on California highways might have grounds to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits in a civil court. Pursuing financial relief could be challenging without the support and guidance of legal counsel who can assess the viability of a claim, help establish negligence and navigate ensuing legal proceedings. Successful presentation of such a lawsuit might yield a monetary judgment to cover financial and emotional damages sustained.
Source: sfgate.com, “Unlicensed 19-year-old driver in Petaluma kills woman in 7-car crash, police say“, Sarah Ravani, April 26, 2018