Head-on collisions can easily appear to be the most tragic type of traffic accident. Why does one driver operate in the wrong lane, especially on high volume streets? Head-on collisions are common in the Los Angeles area, but that fact does not explain why they happen. Modern thoroughfares are well-marked, especially in Los Angeles. In many head-on collisions, drugs or alcohol are often identified as a principal cause. Such was the case in a fatal head-on collision on Cypress Avenue and Valley Road in Fontana.
The accident
According to police reports, a Chevrolet Colorado was traveling east in the west bound lane of Valley Boulevard near its intersection with Cypress Avenue just north of 10 Freeway. Another vehicle was traveling west on Valley Boulevard using the proper lane. The two vehicles collided head on. An unrestrained passenger was thrown from the Corolla.
The 24-year old woman who was thrown from the Corolla was rushed to a hospital, but she died from her injuries while undergoing treatment. The two drivers and the other passengers in the Toyota suffered only minor injuries.
The wrong-way driver was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol. No further details of the accident were released, and police said the crash remains under investigation.
What now?
The family of the deceased woman has a significant claim against the wrong-way driver for damages caused by her negligent driving. The family can seek damages for loss of companionship, financial support, medical expenses (if any), funeral and burial or cremation expenses, and loss of intimate relations (if the deceased had a spouse or partner). Anyone who has lost a loved one to another person’s negligence may wish to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer about pursuing a claim for damages. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate the evidence, suggest legal strategies to support a claim and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages.