Man killed, woman critically injured in California crash

 Posted on April 08,2015 in Car Accidents

A 44-year-old man was killed and a woman was critically injured in a two-vehicle accident near Santa Cruz on March 28. The crash occurred at approximately 2 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities said a 1991 Ford F-150 pickup truck was driving northbound on Empire Grade Road north of Llama Ranch Road when it crossed the double yellow lines into southbound traffic and struck an oncoming 2001 Chevrolet van near the north entrance to the University of California at Santa Cruz.

The driver of the pickup truck, who lived in the unincorporated area of Aptos, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The driver of the van, a 20-year-old woman, suffered critical and life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted to a nearby trauma center for treatment. Authorities said the pickup truck was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash, but the van was traveling within the posted speed limit.

Head-on collisions could be caused by any number of factors, including excessive speed, reckless driving, distracted driving or driving while impaired. Anyone who is injured in a head-on collision caused by a negligent driver may wish to consult with a lawyer about their legal options. By filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, an injured victim may be able to recover financial compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to an inability to return to work, property damages and pain and suffering. If the at-fault driver was killed in the car crash, a lawsuit may be filed against his or her estate.

Source: Santa Cruz Patch, "Coroner IDs Man Who Died In Saturday Crash In Santa Cruz County," Susan Schena, March 30, 2015