Officers with the California Highway Patrol responded to a multi-vehicle accident recently in Placer County. The crash claimed one person’s life and injured three others. Now, those who lost their loved one or were hurt in the accident are likely considering their options for obtaining compensation, as evidence suggests the driver who caused the crash was intoxicated and distracted.
Accident details
Sometime after 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, CHP officers were dispatched to a collision involving three vehicles. The accident occurred on I-80 near Penryn Road. When officers arrived, they found one person unresponsive and performed medical aid while awaiting EMT. Once EMTs arrived, they pronounced the victim dead.
Reportedly, a man was driving a GMC Sierra pickup at a high rate of speed as he approached slower traffic ahead. Officers claim the man had looked down at his phone before looking up to discover the slowing traffic ahead of him, and he had no time to stop in time. He hit the back of a Toyota Highlander, which then collided with a Toyota Sienna in front of it. The driver of the Highlander was killed in the crash, and the driver and passengers of the Sienna suffered minor injuries. The GMC driver went to the hospital with possible broken ribs, and officers arrested him for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
Pursuing compensation
Surviving family members of the deceased and the injured parties can pursue civil action against the man to obtain compensation for their injuries and losses without any criminal charges being brought against him. However, the fact the man was arrested for DUI-Drugs can be used as evidence of his negligence and wrongdoing. To understand their options for obtaining compensation and help with devising the most effective claim possible, affected parties will need to consult with an experienced California personal injury attorney for assistance.
