Unfortunately, wrong-way drivers are responsible for many auto accidents throughout California and the rest of the country. The reasons people may end up driving on the wrong side of a major freeway can include driver intoxication, driver fatigue or other reasons. No one knows exactly what caused a driver to head the wrong way down a major thoroughfare in Southern California recently, but the accident claimed the lives of two people.
Accident details
According to reports, the crash happened around 1:30 a.m. the morning of Feb. 20. The accidents involved seven vehicles total, and a head-on collision between two black Hondas apparently caused the multi-vehicle wreck. Reportedly, one of the Hondas had been driving the wrong way along San Diego Freeway 405 near Seal Beach.
Authorities have yet to disclose which of the Hondas was heading the wrong way. They did, however, confirm two fatalities. The victims were described as the 21-year-old driver of one Honda and a 30-year-old passenger in the other. The driver of the second Honda also suffered injuries described as major and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. At least two others suffered injuries in the crash but elected not to go to the hospital. The accident is still under investigation.
Legal recourse for victims
Should authorities determine which of the Hondas was driving in the wrong direction, those injured or who lost loved ones in the crash may elect to pursue personal injury and wrongful death claims against the driver along with anyone else who has ownership interest in the car. If the driver who passed away was at-fault, his estate can be named in a civil suit. Likewise, if the other driver was at fault, he may face civil claims from surviving family members of the deceased parties as well as those injured. Whatever the case, affected parties will want to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in California to increase their chances for a successful outcome.