Police report that a young woman recently lost her life in a tragic car crash, and her passing serves as a reminder that dangerous driving often has disastrous consequences. Drivers who choose to drive while intoxicated or distracted can seriously harm themselves and/or others. Driving in a reckless manner is also unsafe, as speeding or committing other traffic violations can increase the chance of a crash. California police say that this recent collision is just one of many car accidents that could be due to speeding.
Authorities say that this crash happened on a recent late evening, just after midnight. A sports car was heading north on local roads approaching an intersection when it allegedly crossed over the centerline for reasons unknown. Police say that the vehicle struck a light pole, resulting in several injuries. First responders say they found five people in the car and three of them had to be rushed to a nearby hospital, including the driver. One passenger was treated on scene and did not require further intervention, but the fifth passenger, a 23-year-old woman, was badly hurt and died at the scene.
Officials say that they believe speed was a contributing factor to the crash, though they have not speculated on any other possible factors, such as intoxicated driving. There is no word on whether they plan to charge the driver of the vehicle with any crime. Police investigated the scene for several hours, but may still be working to determine the precise causes of the collision.
Even if the driver faces no criminal charges, the family of the woman will likely be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against him and any other party determined to be at fault. A successfully-litigated civil claim could result in monetary damages that may help the family cover any outstanding expenses related to the crash. Other California families who have lost loved ones in car accidents may want to reach out to a personal injury attorney to determine their options.