California head-on collision kills one, injures another

 Posted on March 16, 2015 in Car Accidents

A head-on collision on Highway 1 near Lompoc left one man dead and another seriously hurt on March 10. The crash happened at approximately 6:30 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities said a man driving to work in a Toyota Tacoma drifted over the double-yellow line and collided head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado just south of Jalama Road. The Toyota driver, a 32-year-old man from Lynwood, died at the scene. The Chevrolet driver, a 33-year-old man from Lompoc, was trapped in his vehicle following the accident. A representative of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported on Twitter that it took 30 minutes to free him. He was transported to Cottage Hospital with major injuries.

CHP closed the southbound lanes of Highway 1 near Jalama Road for several hours as they investigated the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

Head-on collisions such as this one can cause severe injuries that require weeks or months of expensive medical treatment. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and back injuries, could even leave a victim with a permanent disability. However, an attorney can help a victim recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash. Through an examination of accident reports and witness testimony, a lawyer may be able to prove the at-fault driver is legally responsible for a victim's injuries. If the claim is successful, damages could include the costs of medical care and treatment as well as compensation for lost income.

Source: KEYT , "One Killed, Another in Serious Condition Following Crash South of Lompoc," Joe Buttitta, March 10, 2015