4 dead, 1 injured after fiery head-on collision

Early in the morning on April 22, a Toyota Prius that was driving east in the westbound lanes of Highway 50 in Sacramento County collided head-on with a pickup truck in the westbound lane. The collision caused the truck to spin. A third vehicle collided with the truck, causing the truck to catch fire.

California Highway Patrol received a call about 2:30 in the morning that a Prius was driving the wrong way on westbound Highway 50. The Prius reportedly had been driving in the wrong lane for several miles before the head-on collision occurred.

The driver of the Prius and all three occupants of the pickup truck were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the third vehicle suffered minor injuries. Police are reportedly investigating whether there is any link between the crash and the use of alcohol or drugs.

California law, as well as the law of other states, allows relatives of an individual who is killed as a result of another person's conduct to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the wrongful death suit is successful, damages may be awarded for burial expenses, medical expenses, lost potential income and the loss of affection, support and guidance. California does not allow wrongful death damages for mental anguish or pain and suffering. If an individual believes that a relative was the victim of another's harmful conduct, he or she may seek the services of an attorney who may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on the individual's behalf. The attorney may advise the individual regarding which relatives or other individuals may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit as well as the statute of limitations for filing suit.

Source: Capital Public Radio, "Authorities Release ID of Driver Involved in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash On Highway 50," April 22, 2015