California crash leaves 1 dead and 7 injured
A collision between two vehicles left one person dead and several other people injured on March 21 in the Moss Landing area. The incident took place on Highway 1 near Molera Road at about 12:30 p.m.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the fatal accident occurred when a 19-year-old woman, driving a black Lexus SUV, rolled down her window to throw out a cigarette, losing control and veering into oncoming traffic, where she collided with a silver Mazda sedan. The woman admitted to police that she was speeding before the accident as well as smoking marijuana and taking prescription pain pills while driving. Police reported that the woman will be facing charges of DUI and perhaps vehicular homicide in connection with the crash.
A 24-year-old Prunedale man in the Mazda was killed in the incident. The driver of the SUV, who suffered a lacerated liver, as well as her other passengers, all females, were also injured in the accident. The injured victims were taken to Natividad Medical Center and a San Jose trauma center for treatment.
In car accidents where drugs or speeding have played a major role, an injured victim or the family of a deceased victim might choose to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for the losses that have been incurred. The victim or the family might seek the guidance of a personal injury lawyer, including information about the types of damages that can be sought. Such an action can be successful even if no criminal charges are filed against the negligent driver.